New county board member hopes to be “voice for agriculture”

Posted on July 17, 2019

*William Friedrich is sworn in as District 2 representative on the McLean County Board.*
*(Photo by Howard Packowitz/WJBC)*

By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON – A third generation farmer is the newest member of the McLean County Board.

The board Tuesday night approved Chairman John McIntyre’s choice of Republican William Friedrich to replace Scott Murphy, who resigned last month after moving out of District 2.

Friedrich is from Heyworth and will represent southeastern McLean County. He believes in limited government, and plans to be a voice for agriculture, looking out for the concerns of rural homeowners.

“We’re kind of independent, self-sufficient, and hands-off kind of people,” Friedrich said.

Friedrich said he is also interested in mental health and issues concerning the jail.

He also plans to remain as Chairman of the Bloomington Township Water District.

Friedrich said he comes to the county board with no agenda.

“Just carrying on the initiatives from the county board moving forward,” said Friedrich.

“I respect this board and direction they’re going under (Chairman) McIntyre,” Friedrich added.

Friedrich expects to run as a Republican for the board seat in next year’s election. The GOP has a 13 to 7 majority on the county board.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year. It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city. Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University. We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk. Going to work every day for some people means…