Illinois Valley Times

Eddie Mitchell, a Republican, is seeking election to the post of Peru Township Road Commissioner.

Born and raised in Peru’s west end, he still makes his home there with his wife, Colleen, and their children, Colin and Chloe. If elected, Mitchell will oversee the construction and maintenance of roads and bridges in the district and ensure the safety of the state’s motorists.

The township road district, which Mitchell hopes to lead if elected, is unlike other positions in local government that answer to local elected officials. The commissioner is not subject to the township board of trustees nor the supervisor’s jurisdiction, making highway commissioner a position of grave responsibility.

Mitchell has been a resident of the township for nearly half a century. He attended Washington School, and later graduated from LaSalle Peru High School. Mitchell attended St. Norbert College, in De Pere, Wisconsin, where he earned his degree in political science.

Mitchell is a 25-year veteran of the transportation industry and is currently employed by Wal-Mart Transportation in Spring Valley, Illinois. His credentials include nine years of supervisory experience as well as being a Tech III Diesel Technician. In addition to his work with nationally known Wal-Mart, Mitchell is co-owner of Travel Connections, a Peru-based business.

Active in the Peru Township community, Mitchell is a parishioner at St. Joseph Church. Also active with the youth of the community, Mitchell is the president of the Peru Little League and has served on its board for the past seven years.