Term: 2022 - 2026
Joel Tjelmeland, Jr. (R)
3109 Beavercreek Lane
Springfield, IL 62712
(217) 816-5677
Joel.Tjelmeland@sangamonil.gov
Background
Joel Tjelmeland, Jr. was raised in Sangamon County and has lived in District 14 for over 40 years. He is a graduate of Rochester High School. Joel has spent a lifetime providing special treatment - not deferential - but special. Armed with a business degree from Illinois State University, he took over his father's business in 1987 at Tjelmeland Laketown Automotive, and has been paying attention to the details that make a difference ever since. With the experience of taking care of a dedicated client base, Joel is skilled at listening to needs and acting to fulfill them. His quest is for perfection in all that he does. His vocabulary does not include 'roadblocks'. Challenges are just pebbles in the road meant to be kicked aside before they get stuck in someone else's shoe. He is a zealot for change and has boundless energy to pursue progress. He is married to wife Michelle and they have two daughters, Ellie and Lucy. Beyond family, cars, and public service, Joel spirits a passion for flying and enthusiasm for music.
County Board Experience
- Member of and Past Chair of the Election Oversight Committee
- Current Chair of Jail Committee
- Member of the Civil Liabilities Committee
- Member of the Liquor Committee
- Member of the Finance Committee
- Member of the Garage Consolidation Ad Hoc Committee
- Past Member of the Community Service Block Grant Committee
- Past member of the Community Resources Committee
Joel was elected to the County Board in November of 2004. Since that time, the County has merged the County and City Health Departments, instituted a new voting system for Sangamon County, passed the controversial Clean Indoor Air Act and the Board opened the new Public Health & Ccmmunity Services building in the medically underserved area of Sangamon County in 2010.