Blair: ‘Work with both political parties to solve problems’
I was born March 30, 1932, on my mother’s family farm, west of Midway Airport, Chicago, which is now inside the Chicago limits. My mother passed away in October 1938, and my father took off, so my sister, Neva, and I were raised by Dad’s parents. My father remarried in 1943, and we remained in Chicago.
I was educated in the Chicago Public School system and went for a year to college in 1950-51. I joined the Marine Corps on Aug. 5, 1951, and served in the Korean War assigned to the 1st Marine Air Wing. I spent 13 months in Korea and 3 months in southern Japan from August 1952 to November 1953. I was discharged in August 1954.
I went to work for Northern Illinois Gas Co. in August 1954. It was a good-paying job, and I went to college at night. I met my wife, Carole, in college and got married in June 1960.
I became a union member and was appointed steward in 1977 and chief steward in 1984. Carole passed away in December 1985, and I had a young daughter to raise on my own. I was able to take early retirement in August 1987, and moved to Sterling in 1991.
During my 30 years at the gas company, the majority of my employment was working with the public on problems, and as a union officer, I worked with management to solve work problems.
I feel I am qualified for the county board. I will work with both political parties to solve problems with whomever has the best solution.
