RESUME AND BIOGRAPHY

MICHAEL W. TRYON
Born in Terra Haute, Indiana
Graduated North Vigo High School, Terra Haute - 1973
Graduated Indiana State University – 1978, B.S. in Environmental Health Science
McHenry County Board Member 1989-2004
McHenry County Board Chairman 1998-2004
Illinois House of Representatives 2004-Present
Mike Tryon has been active in the 64th District since he moved to the area in 1977.

Mike first came to the district to take a job with the McHenry County Health Department after graduating from Indiana State University with a degree in Environmental Health Science. While working for the county, he not only fell in the love with the area, but also met his future wife Cathy, who at the time worked in the building and zoning department.

Mike worked for the county until 1980 when he left to take a job as an environmental consultant in Roselle. He then bought and became a principal in Raber and Associates. In 1986 he formed McHenry Analytical, a water and wastewater testing lab. Mike still operates both of these environmental companies today.

Politically, Mike joined the McHenry County Board after being appointed in 1989. During his tenure on the board he served as the chair of numerous committees, including finance, public health and personnel. During this time he also served on the McHenry County Board of Health and the Mental Health Board.

Mike’s colleagues respected his proven leadership over the years, and in 1998 the county board members unanimously elected him to become Chairman of the McHenry County Board. He served in that capacity until being elected to the Illinois House of Representatives in 2004.

Since taking his seat in the House of Representatives in 2004, Mike has worked hard in Springfield and at home to represent the interests of the people of the 64th District. His ability to listen and work with others has resulted in substantial legislative accomplishments in just four years.

Just a few of these accomplishments include:

•   Securing $46 million in road money for District 64
•   Saving taxpayers millions through a revised tax cap law
•   Never voting for a state tax increase
•   Improving public safety through a groundwater protection law
•   Increasing government accountability with a new transparency in spending law
•   Initiating legislation to protect home equity

During the 2008 Legislative Session, Mike served on the following House committees:

•   Committee of the Whole
•   Environment & Energy
•   Environmental Health
•   Health Care Availability Access
•   Least Cost Power Procurement
•   Local Government
•   Smart Growth/Regional Planning
•   Mass Transit
•   Impact Fee Task Force
•   Environmental Quality Subcommittee
•   Foreclosure Subcommittee

Known as a leader and consensus builder, Mike Tryon has become a very effective and respected lawmaker in Illinois.

Awards Given to Mike Tryon in 2007-08

• Champion of Commerce Award: Given by the Illinois Chamber of Commerce twice each year to one State Representative and one Senator in Illinois who have made special contributions in the defense of free enterprise and the furtherance of economic opportunities for Illinoisans and who have demonstrated their commitment to legislation that frees the entrepreneurial spirit.
  
• Friend of Agriculture Award: Given by the McHenry County Farm Bureau each year to legislative officials in McHenry County who has achieved a 60%+ voting record and high accessibility rating from Farm Bureau's Board of Trustees on important agricultural issues.
  
• Legislator of the Year (2007): Given by the Association of Community Mental Health Authorities of Illinois each year to one legislator who has shown a commitment to improving the development and delivery of comprehensive mental health services in Illinois.

Outside of politics, Mike, who has lived in Crystal Lake since 1983, spends much of his time with his wife Cathy and three children – Jared, Lauren and Lindsay. He enjoys travel, playing his guitar and cooking.