Mike Schutzbach Running for Mayor

With over 30 years of service to the community as a member of the Effingham Police Department, including 13 years as Chief, Schutzbach has dedicated his professional life to serving the residents of Effingham. Now that he is retired, Schutzbach is running to be the next Effingham mayor.

“I wish to serve the Effingham community and protect the quality of life,” said Schutzbach. “I will work hard to preserve the priorities of residents and the city’s financial stability. I have always been financially conservative, and I will stand with the citizens of Effingham to stop the city from raising property taxes.”

Schutzbach plans to work with existing businesses to help them reach their goals and to work to bring new jobs to Effingham. He also will focus on workforce development to ensure that residents can find careers in the community, and business owners can find qualified workers to fill open positions.

Other priorities for the candidate include working with organizations and developers to create affordable housing; continuing to improve infrastructure; and creating an open dialogue between City Hall and residents.

“With my experience, I am prepared to take on the tough challenges that come with the position, and I plan to work hard to represent all Effingham residents,” said Schutzbach.

As a life-long Effingham resident, Schutzbach understands the importance of community members working together to accomplish their goals, and he is not afraid to stand up and do what is necessary.

“I have learned over the years that you get more accomplished when you work together than when you fight with others,” he said. “But, I also have learned that you have to be prepared to take on tough fights and challenges to make a real difference in people’s lives.”

As mayor, Schutzbach will offer new ideas for the City of Effingham. “I am proud of my public service, but I am not done yet,” said Schutzbach. “I will put my experience to work for the citizens of Effingham. Together, we will make Effingham a great place to live, work and play.”

Schutzbach, the son of Jerry and Marcie (Willenborg) Schutzbach, has been married to Crystal (Probst) for over 30 years. The couple has two adult sons, Andrew and Justin.

Schutzbach is a graduate of St. Anthony High School. He received an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Law Enforcement from Lake Land College in 1983 and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Law Enforcement Administration from Western Illinois University in 1984. He also is a graduate of the University of Illinois Police Training Institute, Northwest University Executive Management Program, Northwestern University Center for Public Safety School of Staff and Command, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) National Academy.

Other experience includes managing a local hotel, working as a Court Service Officer and Probation Officer, and teaching Law Enforcement at Lake Land College.

He is a member of St. Anthony’s of Padua Parish and the Effingham Elks Lodge. He is a member of several professional organizations including: Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, International Association of Chiefs of Police, Northwestern University Center for Public Safety Alumni Association, FBI National Academy Associates, Central Illinois Association of Law Enforcement Executives, Southern Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police. Past Ex-Officio Member of Effingham County Youth Commission, Effingham County 911 Board (Secretary/ Treasure), NENA 911 (National Emergency Number Association), Illinois Police Training and Standards Board (MTU#13), and a member of the Mid-States Organized Crime Information Center-Illinois State Review Committee.