A Progressive, Independent Leader for the 40th District
An 18-year resident of Chicago's north side, Joe works as a part-time instructor at Columbia College, while pursuing interests in writing, union organizing, computing and genealogy. He is the father of two daughters and grandfather to two grandsons.
He is a 1969 graduate of St. Michael's College, Winooski, Vermont with a B.S. in Philosophy and of Indiana University—Purdue University at Ft Wayne, where he earned a M.S. in Business Administration. At Columbia he has participated in all aspects of the College's life, especially as an instructor in the Interactive Arts & Media department where he usually teaches computer programming. He has been active on many college committees including the College Council, a presidential search committee, and the Academic Affairs Committee.
He has broad experiences in writing, publishing, computer consulting, and teaching at both the high school and college level. He is
among the founders of the Part-time Faculty Association at Columbia College and has served in many capacities since its founding in 1996. He was chief negotiator of their previous contracts and remains in that post today. He has also served as President, Vice-President, and Treasurer of his 1,000 member local which is affiliated with the Illinois Education Association/National Educational Association. He is a past member of the IEA/NEA Higher Education Council.
He is a former Catholic seminarian, and an ordained (but unaffiliated) Pentecostal minister. He is an avid gardener and amateur genealogist. He currently lives in the Albany Park neighborhood near the intersection of Avers, Elston, and Berteau with Patrick, his partner of 13 years.