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Lake Zurich resident announces candidacy for 6th Congressional District
Geoffrey Petzel of Lake Zurich has announced his candidacy for Illinois' 6th Congressional District
Updated: November 28, 2011 8:09AM
Geoffrey Petzel, 28, recently announced his candidacy for the Democratic Party’s nomination in the 6th Congressional District with hopes of challenging incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam in the November 2012 general election.
“I’m running because we need somebody in the 6th District who will actually represent the people,” he said.
A political newcomer, Petzel grew up in Carpentersville and resides in Lake Zurich with his wife, Melissa. He is the executive director of the not-for-profit Friends of the Fox River, based in West Dundee. He also owns a small business that purchases run-down homes in his community and rebuilds them. Prior to starting his own company, Petzel worked as a land use and environmental consultant for major development companies throughout the Chicago area.
Petzel believes Congress’ most important task is to bridge the gap between Democrats and Republicans “to work together (and) find common sense solutions.”
Petzel said he would back President Barack Obama’s jobs plan, as well as support spending for infrastructure improvements, which he believes would create jobs. He said he’ll also stress insuring that Social Security and Medicare are solvent. Part of his solution is to lift the cap on earnings for Social Security contributions (currently at $106,800 but rising to $110,100 in 2012).
Petzel also wants the federal government to focus on investing in renewable energy and related infrastructure.
“I think the simple decision for people to make is to look at what they value,” Petzel said of why voters should support him. “I’m looking at things in a manner of how they’ll benefit the average person in the district.”
The 2012 Illinois primary is scheduled March 20, 2012. The filing deadline for candidates of established political parties is Dec. 5.
The redistricted 6th Congressional District includes part of or all of Barrington, Barrington Hills, Clarendon Hills, Deer Park, Hawthorn Woods, Hinsdale, Inverness, Kildeer, Lake Barrington, Lake Zurich, North Barrington, Oak Brook, Oakbrook Terrace and Tower Lakes.
