Rockford Mayor Larry Morrissey is always on the go. But what exactly does his job entail? There's a lot more to it than just city council meetings.

There's a lot of responsibility that comes with being mayor. There's also a lot of handshakes.

Those handshakes typically start around 7:30 am - and just like his schedule - they don't let up.

Public meetings, dedication ceremonies, special luncheons, and school appearances are all in a day's work.

"To me, that's part of the fun of the job," Mayor Morrissey says.

It is just part of it. There's also the daunting task of making sure Rockford is on the right track, despite lots of challenges - like a budget deficit, a high crime rate, and skyrocketing unemployment. All the while, having to balance these tough issues with the opinions of those he's representing. Many of whom don't hesitate to flag down the Mayor while he's driving to talk about the current state of the city.

"They've got ideas and concerns, that's a pretty regular part of the day as well," Morrissey says.

But it's not just adults in the community who have concerns. On a daily basis, the Mayor also faces some interesting questions from future voters.

"A lot of times, when I talk to school kids, they'll ask if I have a limousine, or do I have a driver," he says. "I have to tell them the shocking news that no, I drive myself around!"

And when he's out of the office answering these questions in person, it doesn't mean the phone calls, text messages, and emails stop.

On average, he gets a new message on his Blackberry every minute. He tries to answer all of them.

It's a fast pace, that requires a lot of interaction with a lot of different people.

That's why Morrissey says the biggest part of his job every day, is simply being up for the challenge. "I think the key is sticking to your vision, sticking to your message, sticking to the core strategies and being persistent in the work that you do."

Thursday we'll take you inside the Mayor's office for a look at what goes on behind closed doors, and a closer look at how he's confronting some of the city's most pressing challenges.

For part 1 of our series, click here