2013 Election Profile: Joel Frieders

Name: Joel Frieders

Position sought: 3rd Ward Alderman

Website: None. I pay for daycare. I can't afford fancy web internets.

E-mail address: joelfrieders@gmail.com

Address: Omnipotent

Age: 33

Family: Wife, Julie; two sons and one daughter

Education: BS in Political Science, minor in Philosophy from Western Illinois University. 2002.

Occupation: Compounding Pharmacy Manager

Political party affiliation, If any: Libertarian-ish-esque

Previous elected offices:None

Applicable experience qualifying you for the position: I tended bar in college, so I can talk to anyone. I've performed in music venues across the country for thousands of people, so I'm not afraid of stepping outside of my comfort zone. I drive Cannonball Trail daily, which means I'm willing to take a risk. And I have three kids, so I'm used to being walked all over and getting stuff under my fingernails. 

What is the primary reason you are running for this office? Curiosity. And because I'd like to earn the right to complain about something other than people refusing to use their turn signals at Rt. 47 and Cannonball Trail. 

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected? Attracting better food to the area, whether through new businesses or convincing the food-related business we already have to offer something to the people who live here who don't always eat crap food. I prefer non-crap food. And of course, arresting and prosecuting the people who keep on refusing to use their turn signals at Rt. 47 and Cannonball Trail to the fullest extent of the law. I support water boarding in this instance.

What sets you apart from the other candidates? I'm completely bald, I have only my wife and kids to impress, I'm aware of my shortcomings and am proudly working to improve them, I sell drugs and I keep bees. I will only do this for one term if elected, because politics are creepy and I have no desire to make this a career. I am also not afraid to admit I have no idea what the hell I'm doing, but I care about Yorkville for completely selfish reasons.

How long have you lived in Yorkville (if applicable, if not how long have you been involved with Yorkville)? 6 years last September. 

What's your favorite thing about Yorkville? Besides the potholes and coyotes, it's the people I've met, especially in my neighborhood of Whispering Meadows. They took action against a shady property management company and took back the Whispers. That's inspiring. And of course the people who use their turn signals at Rt. 47 and Cannonball Trail. Those people are angels.

What is the biggest problem in Yorkville? Yorkville has a case of the "same ol' same ol'" and nobody in my age group (30-35 years old) seems to want to get involved because nothing ever really seems to change. We currently have no Hispanic or Black representation in the alderman position, and hopefully the person replacing me after my one and only term will be a person of color. Yorkville needs representation from all races immediately.