I ran into our mayor one day at the train station and asked him to come up with a solution for children with autism who wander. You see, my son had wandered back when the prior mayor was in office and we had the entire town looking for James who is non verbal child with autism. The ordeal lasted hours but it seemed like days but James was found at the Jewel. He was miles from our home, crossed major streets and dangerous intersections at the age of 9. 

Our mayor, who sits on the DuPage 911 Board, came up with a solution, tested it with our 911 system, authored the vital legislation to amend our laws so this device could be used and passed a law that is now named after my son James.  This device can be used for any child or adult with a cognitive impairment, including adults with Alzheimer’s. 

It was Pete’s approachability, his vision and knowledge of working with the county and the state legislature that gives me peace of mind today that my son will always be safely found. Pete, my family wishes you the best with your County Board run. You have been a great mayor in the toughest of times, you will be an excellent County Board member.

—Nancy O’Brien, Elmhurst