Rep. David Wirsing, R-Sycamore, has lived in Sycamore his entire life.

That is also where he and his wife Nancy reared their four children: Mark, Angie, Sue and Steve, who have given him seven grandchildren.

In 1963, Wirsing founded the operation of Wirsing Pork Finishing Farm. With 20 years of experience there, he decided to bring his expertise to the Illinois Pork Producers Association. Wirsing distinguished himself as a prominent member by serving as the organization’s vice president. Two years later he became president.

Wirsing also admits that he looked to his family for support and wisdom.

“I looked to my family for guidance on what I should do concerning core issues,” Wirsing said. “My wife and children gave me sound advice that helped me lead a successful campaign.”

As a state representative, Wirsing has positively impacted many social sectors in the 70th district, predominately in the areas of education, agriculture and organ donation.

His strong stand and level of commitment on education reform has earned him statewide recognition from students and local officials. For a decade now, Wirsing has been at the forefront fighting for better education, more scholarships and increased financial aid for students to accommodate rising inflation.

“I have opposed legislation which would ban or limit the number of scholarships to college students,” Wirsing said.

Wirsing, who is the current higher education spokesperson, has carried many vital pieces of legislation to successful vote that have benefited both NIU and other colleges in Illinois.

“I have been so successful in passing legislation because I am more concerned with the well-being of the students’ education, than worrying about political party-lines,” Wirsing said.

Wirsing carried vital legislation that allowed NIU to have a trustee board separate from the state. This allowed NIU and many other colleges to govern free from the state with their own trustee board. This allowed for more diversified education free from governmental restriction.

“I believe that schools can operate better when they govern themselves,” Wirsing said. “This has been evident at NIU.”

Also, he passed legislation that ensured that tuition money generated by NIU and all Illinois colleges to stay at that particular university. According to Wirsing, at one point all of NIU’s tuition money went straight to Springfield, and then they would send the money back to the school.

“The problem with this system was that NIU was not getting all of the money back,” Wirsing said. “This was causing financial strain on NIU and other Illinois colleges.”

Wirsing has been able to provide great benefits in many aspects of higher education and believes in continuing improvement of education as well as developing a supportive environment for the children of Illinois.

“When I was first elected, people only saw me as an agricultural representative,” Wirsing said. “Now college presidents in Illinois see me as a legislative higher education guru.”

According to DeKalb Mayor Greg Sparrow, who is not only a political constituent but also a friend of Wirsing’s, believes that Wirsing not only dominates the education sector, but also gets things done close to home.

“In the years that I have worked with Dave, he has shown me a genuine quality to always be accessible,” Sparrow, said. “He is always lending a helping hand in every area of the community.”

Sparrow added that Wirsing also has been successful in bringing millions of federal dollars to DeKalb. The money that Wirsing brought in was to help pay for renovations to Altgeld Hall and the new arena.

“Dave has had a great impact on this district and NIU with the money he has brought here,” Sparrow said. “We appreciate Dave’s level of commitment to NIU and DeKalb.”

DeKalb’s city manager Jim Connors believes that Wirsing has had a positive impact in DeKalb.

“In working with Dave, I see that he is a caring and thoughtful man,” Connors said. “He listens to the concerns of the city, truly cares for his constituents and brings a sense of humor which lifts the spirits of those working around him.”

Wirsing has his hand in many areas of Illinois government. He is currently in six committees for the 92nd General Assembly, such as minority vice-spokesman for the children and youth committee, consumer protection, human services, state government administration, higher education appropriations committee and minority spokesman to the higher education committee.

Wirsing has also been a strong advocate in favor of humanitarian efforts in Illinois with his support of legislation concerning organ donation. In 1994, the Organ Transplant and Donor Task Force was originated to look into all aspects of human organ transplantation and donation. This task force met with great success and formally ended in December.

“Recently I was able to carry legislation that reorganized the task force,” Wirsing said. “This legislation passed the House and the Senate during the last session, and is currently awaiting the Governor’s signature.”

The fundamental intention of Wirsing’s administration always has been focused to strategize, develop and support intelligent legislation that will brighten the future for the not only the students of NIU, but also the citizens of Illinois. Wirsing is a representative who wants to see equality for all.

Robert Regas, a junior political science major, hails Wirsing for being an ordinary, “down to earth” guy.

“Many politicians put themselves over you and make you feel second best,” Regas said. “Mr. Wirsing put me above himself, which showed me what a caring man he is.”