Politics & Government

Congressman Mike Quigley Was in Elmhurst Thursday—Undercover

He might have prepared a burger for you.

If you had a burger at Hamburger Jones during the lunch rush on Thursday, it might have been made by Elmhurst's Congressman Mike Quigley (D-5th).

Quigley was in Elmhurst as an "Undercover Congressman," a regular program designed to bring him closer to his constituents in an everyday environment—their work world. He has delivered packages with UPS, made candy at the Mars Factory, collected garbage, even cleaned the rhino pen at Lincoln Park Zoo.

But Thursday, it was all about the burgers.

The kitchen at Hamburger Jones is rather tight—and intense—during the lunch hour. Orders are up, food is sizzling, wait staff is rushing in and out. There is no messing around.

Quigley, wearing his chef's uniform, was all business. He was literally too busy to talk. So we caught up with a member of his staff, Robert Becker, who was having lunch with Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Mike Quigley (no relation) in the dining room.

"It's a way for him to connect with community, talk to people in a very informal setting," Becker said. "It's very important to come out and see the community, the new district, and let people know he's accessible."

The Chamber has been working with Congressman Quigley's office for about a month planning this most recent visit.

"As Elmhurst's new congressman, our goal is to make him feel real comfortable coming out here, getting to know people right away, having connections," John Quigley said. "That way, when he calls us or we call him, he knows where it's coming from and who he is talking to."

After his shift was over, Rep. Quigley has this to say:

“Going undercover at local businesses is an incredible opportunity to meet new constituents and hear from small business owners and their employees. As HB Jones is relatively new to Elmhurst, owners Bob Ceddia and Anthony Gambino have a unique insight on how government can help entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of starting a new business.”

So, how was his cooking?

Becker said he wasn't sure if the burger he had was prepared by Quigley, but he assumed it was.

"He's still alive," John Quigley said. "I ordered the wings because I knew he wasn't working on those."

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