From the local paper:
Rockford's mayor is a colorful fellow, something of which Illinois is never in short supply in terms of politics and politicians. An independent who came to office championing education and roads, both of which needed (and still need) a lot of work in that city. He's not a very popular guy, being the recipient of several locally publicized death threats.
Apparently at a local meeting to discuss firearm issues he makes the following claims:
-His views on gun control have 'evolved' since he took office, and after becoming familiar with the kinds of crime Rockford experiences, thinks the focus should not be on law abiding citizens.
-Although he does not own a handgun, he has a rather large security detail. He does plan on getting a handgun and a concealed carry permit out of the imperative to be able to protect himself.
-He claims to have joined MAIG because he in fact, was very much against illegal guns (who isn't?). The organizations campaign against magazines and semiautomatic rifles (both of which are, in fact, legal in most of Illinois) caused him to feel that membership in MAIG was no longer in line with his beliefs.
Winnebago County, of which, Rockford is the largest city, has tried several times to attempt an end run around the state's lack of concealed carry laws. All of this became a moot point with the passing of a bill to allow concealed carry in Illinois awaiting the Governor's signature.