Always watching for the 'little guy'
JR McBride's passion and enthusiasm for people and community are contagious. We met several years ago through our now-college-age daughters, and I was struck then by his strong spirit. I knew this was a guy battling brain tumors, but I had a feeling that for this guy, everyday was about helping other people, and not about JR McBride.
That hunch has only been confirmed the past several years as I have gotten to know JR and serve alongside him in various volunteering and fundraising efforts. His gregarious, welcoming personality draws people to him, but what keeps people in the trenches with him is his sincere dedication and commitment to the cause.
Whether JR is convincing you to deliver meals on wheels with him, raise money and awareness for Misericordia or get involved with Metropolitan Family Services of DuPage, he is always challenging himself and those alongside him to do more.
There is a children's book from 1946 by Munro Leaf that states, "...you want to make good friends and keep them..." JR McBride has more good friends than anyone I know. Leaf also says, "Are most of the people I know glad that I am here? Am I glad that I am here, myself?" Anyone who knows JR knows the answer to both those questions is a resounding "Yes."
JR's dedication and commitment to his family, friends and our DuPage community is sincere and his ties run strong and deep. Yes, he is fiscally conservative and no-nonsense when it comes to issues like video gambling and protecting our environment. But just as importantly, he is always watching out for the "little guy." I am privileged to call JR a friend and we would all be privileged to have him continue to represent us on the the DuPage County Board.
Michael P. Mazza
Glen Ellyn