Robert M. Eschbach, Mayor of Ottawa
Bob Eschbach is a lifelong resident of the city of Ottawa. He graduated from Illinois Valley Community College in 1972. He received his bachelors degree from Illinois State University and is a graduate of the University of Illinois College of Law. Bob has been engaged in the private practice of law in Ottawa since 1978. Bob has served the citizens of Ottawa as Mayor since May of 1999; he was re-elected to a second term in 2003. Prior to being elected Mayor, Eschbach served for several years on the: Ottawa Plan Commission, the Historic Preservation Commission, the Zoning Board of Appeals and various other committees. Eschbach was a founding member of Residents Against a Polluted Environment (RAPE) in the early 1980s and fought the establishment of a hazardous waste landfill just west of Ottawa. He also served as Special Assistant LaSalle County States Attorney for environmental matters for several years. Eschbach believes in open and inclusive government and as Mayor has involved hundreds of citizens in advising the Council and making improvements across the city. He has been instrumental in shaping a shared vision for the future of Ottawa and working to attract new development and job opportunities for the Illinois River Valley. |
