| Paul D. Froehlich | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Illinois House of Representatives from the 56th district |
|
| In office 2003 - 2011 |
|
| Preceded by | Kathleen "Kay" Wojcik |
| Succeeded by | Michelle Mussman |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1950 Franklin Park, Illinois |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse(s) | Marilyn |
| Profession | Former Teacher, Legislator |
Paul D. Froehlich (born 1950) was a Democratic member of the Illinois House of Representatives elected to represent the 56th district, where he served from 2003 to 2011. Voters have elected him to five different offices over two decades.
The biggest upset of his career came in 1998 when Froehlich was elected as the Schaumburg Township Republican Committeeman, defeating a 32-year incumbent by 55-45%.
Froehlich formed S.T.A.R., the Schaumburg Township Alliance of Republicans, and in 2001 led the GOP township ticket to a complete sweep of all nine seats, ousting long-term incumbents loyal to the old committeeman.
When State Representative Kay Wojcik was appointed to a vacant senate seat in 2003, Froehlich was appointed to fill the vacated post. The appointment was made by three party leaders, one of whom was Froehlich.
In 2004, Froehlich was elected without opposition. In 2006, he defeated a primary opponent, and was able to get his general election opponent tossed from the ballot.
In June 2007, Froehlich switched parties and became a Democrat. Republicans vowed revenge in the 2008 election. Froehlich won a primary challenge, and then defeated his Republican opponent by a landslide, 58-42%.
Investigators for Cook County State's Attorney Anita Alvarez investigated whether Froehlich helped arrange property tax breaks for residents and businesses in exchange for campaign contributions and favors.[1] Cook County Board of Review commissioners and their staffs investigated whether Froehlich used any "undue influence" to get the tax breaks for businesses in Froehlich's district. In April and May 2009, a grand jury subpoena sought records for 25 tax appeal cases, including several in which Froehlich helped suburban business owners who got tax breaks. That included two hotel operators who together donated more than $36,000 to his campaign.[2]
In 2009, Froehlich announced his decision to not run again, retiring undefeated after a dozen times on the ballot. His successor is Rep. Michelle Mussman, also a Democrat. A Schaumburg resident, Froehlich is married and has three children.