Barrett Pedersen

Franklin Park Mayor Barrett Pedersen credits Triton College with providing the community not only with convenience and affordability, but also with the essential tools for building a successful career.

“Community colleges provide skills that students need for achievement,” he said. “Whether an individual wants to become a police officer, fire fighter or go into HVAC, Triton has the certificates and tools.”

A Triton College alumnus, Mayor Pedersen still admires his rhetoric teacher, Joe English, who helped him advance in his academic career. Building on the skills learned from English, Pedersen transferred out of Triton to Elmhurst College, where he earned a degree in Urban Studies (Local Government Administration). He then went on to earn a law degree from Chicago-Kent College of Law.

While attending law school, Mayor Pedersen started getting involved with local politics. He started knocking on doors for local candidates in 1981 and he served on the Cable Television Commission and the Franklin Park Library Board.

After opening his law practice in Franklin Park in 1990, Mayor Pedersen wanted to continue to serve his community as a village trustee, and later becoming the village prosecutor.

“I’ve always been passionate about the environment, and I wanted to make sure that Franklin Park was using sustainable practices,” he said.

Climbing the ranks within the village, Mayor Pedersen successfully ran for mayor in 2009. Leading Franklin Park for 16 years, Mayor Pedersen continues to encourage residents, especially East Leyden High School students, to take advantage of Triton College.

Under the guidance of technology instructor Antigone Sharris, many East Leyden students have participated in Triton’s Early College program, which allows high school students to enroll in college courses and earn college credit.

Beyond technology, Triton also offers sustainability-focused degree programs, an area especially important to Mayor Pedersen. He sees these programs not only as pathways to employment for students but also as opportunities to stimulate local economic growth.

“I’m always looking to increase sustainability in Franklin Park,” said Mayor Pedersen. “Franklin Park is investing in electric charging stations, and our code enforcement utility vehicles are electric. Our police station is totally sustainable.”

Looking ahead, Mayor Pedersen remains committed to bettering the environment in Franklin Park, while urging residents to attend Triton.

“Community colleges provide something that four-year institutions don’t offer, which is affordability,” he said.