“I’m a lifelong independent” is a mantra that Eric backs up with 30 years of non-political party membership. Four years ago, Eric joined the Libertarian Party when he watched both of the national political parties devolve into dysfunction. Eric got involved and started working with a small group of Independent thinkers at the Libertarian Party of Greater Peoria. Eventually working to get a Tazewell County chapter established.
Eric considers Pekin to be his adopted hometown. He’ll talk about the area’s virtues to anyone who will listen. We have a lot to be proud of in our county and we need to keep working to make it better for the next generation. Fiscal responsibility now means that we will not leave burdens for our children that will drive them away. Eric is proud of what his family has built and accomplished and he hopes he can help others have those opportunities as well
Eric moved to Delavan in 1993 and married his WIU sweetheart, Angela, in 1995. Since that time, they have always lived outside of Pekin in rural Tazewell County. There have been opportunities over the years to leave the area, but Eric and Angela decided that there is no better place to make a home and raise two children.
In his free time, Eric can usually be found off-roading and camping in Central Illinois or across the US. The Stahl family try to get out and travel near or far when they get a vacation. Eric likes to say, “Travel is the best education and I believe in immersing my children in new experiences and cultures as much as possible.”
Eric has worked for over 20 years at a Pekin New Car Dealership as a Service Manager. Over the past decade, Eric has volunteered his time with St. Joseph’s Parish and the Boy Scouts of America Troop 62 out of the Pekin Salvation Army. He is proud to say he was a BSA leader and his son Aiden (Who attends Deercreek Mackinaw HS) is an Eagle Scout. Not to be outdone, his daughter Summer is a second-year Engineering student at SIUC. Before heading to college, she acquired the “Billy Mitchell” award in Civil Air Patrol at the McLean County.
Eric formerly ran for Tazewell County Board Chairman in 2020. While he did not win the election, he did garner 21% of the popular vote as a Libertarian Candidate. No small task in a county that is traditionally Republican.
Eric’s goals for the board as chairman:
- Protect small businesses in Tazewell County (Especially during COVID restrictions)
- Press for more High-Speed Internet access to rural county residents
- Make sure Tazewell County infrastructure is equipped to maintain and bring in new business.
- Watch the county spending and make sure the budget does not place financial burdens on future county residents.
In 2021 Eric ran for DeeMack #701 School Board in the “Tremont” region of the school district.
Eric campaigned on his ongoing commitment to rural internet infrastructure, as he now is a citizen member of the Rural Telecommunications Board in Tazewell County. A board chaired by Brandon Hovey. The digital divide is real, Eric and his family struggle with connectivity concerns from their home in rural Tremont.
Eric’s understanding of vocational programs from local High Schools and his relationships with ICC automotive tech program made him uniquely qualified to understand student and teacher needs. Eric feels it’s our school’s responsibility to teach life skills and get children ready for occupations in the real world. His motivation was to work with instructors and program directors to make sure they have the most up-to-date equipment that will help students achieve success.
Donations
Running for office at any level has an expense that is very real. No other occupation has you spend your own money for a “chance” to get the job. While I did not ever feel comfortable asking for support financially. I am very appreciative of those willing to help in my cause.
Follow this link for donation information: Canidadate Stahl Donations Page