Bob Flider became State Representative of Illinois' 101st District in January 2003, filling the vacancy of former State Representative Julie Curry. He won election to his second term in November 2004.
Flider began his public service in 1991 as a trustee for the Village of Mount Zion and was later elected to two terms as the village's mayor. Flider's early experience as a local elected official has helped him to better understand the challenges of local governments as State Representative.
As mayor, Flider developed a community-wide planning initiative called Mt. Zion 2000 and a comprehensive plan, which led to the construction of Goodwin Park, quality subdivisions, new sidewalks, roads and bike paths that helped enhance the quality of life for Mt. Zion residents. While mayor, he also served on the Decatur-Macon County Economic Development Commission and the Macon County Regional Planning Commission.
While in office, Flider's legislative priorities have been to protect our children and senior citizens, work with local officials to improve our schools, open new markets for central Illinois agriculture and provide incentives for the expanded use of corn-based renewable fuels in Illinois, and strengthen economic development in the region. Flider has helped pass new laws that improve protections against identity theft, help seniors remain more independent and provide relief from property taxes and the high costs of prescription drugs. He has also helped pass tough new restrictions to help keep our children safe from sex offenders and meth out of our communities. Flider has fought against tax and fee increases while passing economic incentives and grant programs to help businesses create and retain jobs. To help our children receive the best education possible, Flider has helped secure $8.8 million in additional state funding for schools in the 101st District.
The 101st District has a reputation for outstanding constituent service thanks to the hard work of former Rep. Julie Curry and the late Senator Penny Severns, and Flider has worked since taking office to continue that tradition.
Flider has spent many years working collaboratively with various organizations to help the area prosper and improve residents' quality of life. He is a member of the Decatur Rotary and Lions Club and has served on the Board of Directors of the following Decatur-based organizations: Economic Development Corporation of Decatur and Macon County, United Way of Decatur/Macon County, Downtown Decatur Council, Seniorama Committee, Knights of Columbus, Easter Seals of Central Illinois and Mid-Illinois Chapter of the American Red Cross. He has coached youth sports and also taught Sunday school.
Flider received a journalism degree from Eastern Illinois University in 1979 and a certificate of business administration from the University of Illinois in 1999. He attended the Program on Negotiation at Harvard Law School and the EEI Executive Public Policy Institute in Washington, D.C. After receiving his bachelor's degree, Flider spent three years as a reporter in eastern Illinois.
Bob and his wife Jean married in 1978. They are the parents of three children and reside in Mt. Zion.
State Links
Illinois General Assembly: www.ilga.gov
Illinois House Democrats: www.housedem.state.il.us
