Rock Island Today

Christopher DeFrieze relishes the responsibility of being a voice for the people of his community.

DeFrieze, who serves as mayor of New Boston and as a Mercer County board member in District 4, is now seeking his first full term on the board after being appointed to fill the late Joe Vann’s spot in the fall of 2017.

Speaking for his constituents and representing the west side of Mercer County is the most rewarding part of his job, DeFrieze said.

Christopher DeFrieze

“They have all the faith in me to make sure this is accomplished,” he told Rock Island Today.

A lifelong Marine who spent 22 years in the military and retired as a chief warrant officer 4, DeFrieze is 70 percent combat disabled. He knows all about civil service and the sacrifice it sometimes entails.

He lists getting Mercer County back on stable financial footing and getting the people of his community the level of services they deserve as the main reasons he is seeking re-election.

“I love being a part of a growing county and the communities that are within Mercer County,” he said. “It's an honor to serve you and to represent you. I will not let you down as your representative.”

Juggling his duties as mayor and county board member isn't as complicated as some may think, DeFrieze said.

“They are [not] challenges,” he said. “I represent the west side of our county as a whole as county board member, not just New Boston. You have to know when to draw the line between the two.”

DeFrieze grew up in New Boston as one of seven siblings. He attended nearby Westmer High School and immediately took off for the Marine Corps after graduation.