Bill Mitchell
Quick Facts
Biography
Bill Mitchell (born March 29, 1960) is a former Republican member of the Illinois House of Representatives.
Life and career
Mitchell is a graduate of Eastern Illinois University, receiving a B.A. in Political Science in 1982. He has been a Decatur City Councilman, Macon County Republican Chairman, and Mayor Pro Tem 1997–1998. He has sponsored curfew laws and made efforts to cut government waste, reduce taxes and institute juvenile justice reform.
In 2011, Mitchell joined with State Representative Adam Brown of the 101st district in proposing statehood for Cook County. Mitchell said that Chicago is "dictating its views" to the rest of the state and Brown added that Chicago "overshadows" the rest of Illinois.
An August 30, 2003, article in the Bloomington–Normal newspaper The Pantagraph stated that Mitchell was arrested for DUI near Heyworth, Illinois, and was also charged with improper traffic lane usage. The McLean County Sheriff's report indicated that his breath-alcohol level was 0.186 percent, which is more than twice Illinois legal BAC limit of 0.08. Mitchell pleaded guilty to both charges and was sentenced to 24 months of court supervision.
Mitchell retired after the 100th General Assembly and was succeeded by fellow Republican and Eastern Illinois University Trustee Dan Caulkins.