Barrett Pedersen, who is running for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District ( MWRD ) , has been a public official for more than 20 years, but what first drew him to politics was his love of the environment. After realizing
he could best save nature through politics, becoming a public official became a perfect fit for him.
The MWRD is nothing new to this long-time Franklin Park resident, who frequently attends its meetings. As chairman of the Franklin Park Board of Trustees' Water & Sewer Committee, he's had to interact with the MWRD multiple times while helping to implement $40 million worth of storm, wastewater delivery and flood control measures. Some of his experience includes helping create a 100 million gallon retention basin along Silver Creek to reduce flooding—a county-wide problem.
As a result of his experience with storm and wastewater management, Pedersen was asked to serve on the Lower Des Plaines Watershed Council. The purpose of such counsels is to review flood control and storm water management projects, then pass on a recommendation to the MWRD.
Pedersen is a friend of the LGBT community, and loathes discrimination of any shape. When asked if he supports same-sex marriage, hate-crime legislation, HIV/AIDS funding and a woman's right to choose, he answers with a resounding 'Absolutely!'
He is the current vice chair of the Cook County Democratic Party, which has endorsed him. Pedersen is also the Democratic Committeeman of Leyden Township and Chairman of the Leyden Township Has a Heart Food Drive Committee. He has practiced law in his community for 15 years.
See www.cleanwater4all.com .