Donald E. Peloquin (R-IL-1)
Donald E. Peloquin Congressional Candidate Illinois District 1
Biography of Donald E. Peloquin from Peloquin for Congress
Donald E. Peloquin is a lifelong resident and Public Servant of the South Suburbs of Chicago. A graduate of St. Walter’s Grade School and Dwight D. Eisenhower H.S., Don attended Thornton Community College before serving in the United States Army during the Vietnam conflict with an honorable discharge in 1972. Following his service to our country, Don worked as an Illinois Bell Telephone Lineman while attending Worsham Mortuary School becoming a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer which he remains to this day. Don is currently co-owner and President of Hickey Memorial Chapel; a family owned and operated business since 1928 with locations in Blue Island, Midlothian, and New Lenox.
Don and his wife of 37 years, Mary Ellen, are the proud parents of four beautiful children and two wonderful grand children. In 1981, Don was elected to be Alderman of the 4th Ward for the City of Blue Island and in 1985 ousted incumbent John Rita to become Mayor of Blue Island which he proudly serves as to this day.
With over 25 years of mayoral experience, Don has acquired the skills and experience needed to work with local, county, state, federal and international governments. With his extensive knowledge of local business, industry, environment and history, his list of selfless accomplishments benefiting his and surrounding communities continues to grow to this day.
As Mayor of Blue Island, Don negotiated the first union contracts in the history of Blue Island. He helped to elect the first Hispanic and Afro-American aldermen for the City of Blue Island. In 2007, he organized a joint action group that fought to keep St. Francis Hospital, Blue Island’s largest employer, open as Metro South Medical Center which saved over 1,000 jobs.
He has worked tirelessly with local county officials to convert tax delinquent properties to new affordable housing available for families in the community. Through the “Main Street” program, Don utilized available funds to re-vitalize the local business district into a thriving and vibrant commercial sector. With many buildings over one hundred and fifty years old the “Main Street” program has created a unique historic business district which is both attractive and functional.
Mayor Peloquin has also worked with state officials and surrounding mayors to build a new 911 Dispatch center serving the surrounding communities.
In 1991, Don took the lead role in a bi-partisan organization that converted a local landfill into an 18-hole golf course. The Meadows Golf Course has helped to raise the property value of the surrounding area and provides affordable recreation for the surrounding communities.
With Blue Island’s one hundred and sixty year old sewer system deteriorating, Don worked with the city council to create and implement an extensive overhaul strategy of the sewer system which is now more efficient and economically viable today.
Mayor Peloquin has worked together with community organizers to create a plan to improve the quality, usage and natural beauty of the Cal Sag water way. Along with addressing flooding and pollution issues in the water way, the plan consists of improving the surrounding areas along the water way for recreation and nature preservation such as bike and walking trails and a railway/nature museum as well as collegiate rowing competitions.
Donald E. Peloquin has spent nearly his entire professional career in public service. As a small business owner and mayor of the City of Blue Island for the past 27 years, Don has the experience, leadership and integrity needed to best represent the citizens of the 1st U.S. Congressional District of Illinois.
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