Thank you for the support. Particularly the online nursing community. And thank you to all our medical professionals for their service.

Paid for by Citizens to Elect Keith Farnham. A copy of our report filed with the State Board of Elections is (or will be) available for purchase from the State Board of Elections, Springfield, Illinois.  Contributions are not tax deductible.  State law requires that we report the occupation and name of the employer of any individual who contributes over $500.

Keith Farnham was born on September 22, 1947 in Greenville, Maine to Gertrude and Clyde Farnham (both deceased).  The son of a cook and full-time mother and housewife, Keith learned the benefits of hard work and the importance of family.

In 1964, Farnham joined the Navy and served his country for four years.  His service took him overseas and throughout the Mediterranean until his return in 1968.

Farnham’s background created a work ethic that led him to become a union painter in the Elgin area.  After working with local painting companies, Farnham decided to open his own company in 1986, K&R Christopher.  For 20 years, Farnham led the company that did commercial and industrial painting throughout Northern Illinois.  At one point, the business was employing an average of 50 people.

For 18 years, Farnham served as a board member of the Chicago Painting and Decorating Contractors of America (PDCA), working with the top two Chicago International Unions of Painters and Allied Trades businesses.  Farnham also helped found the Finishing Contractors Association (FCA).  During his time there, Farnham helped facilitate contracts between contractors and labor groups.  He was recognized for his hard work with the FCA by receiving their Distinguished Service Award.

Throughout his experience in the district, Farnham believes he has a vision that is unique to the area.  Recently, Farnham has renovated the old Elgin Dairy Company into new luxury condos.  The Dairy Home Lofts are just the beginning of the new development Farnham envisions for our region.

Farnham has lived in Elgin for over 32 years.  He married his wife Susan, who is a third generation Elginite in 1976 and together they have a son Ryan.

Farnham’s civic/political involvement:

•United States Naval Reserves, 1964-1968 Active Duty

•Board of Directors; Chicago Painting and Decorating Contractors Association (15 Years) 

•President; Painting Decorating Contractors Association (2 Years) 

•President; Chicago Industry Advancement Fund (8 Years) 

•Chairman; Chicago Painters Welfare $84 Million Fund

•Founding Board Member; National Finishing Contractors Association (10 Years) 

•Chairman of Government Relations Committee; National Finishing Contractors Association 

•Painting Industry Representative for Association of Specialty Contractors 

•Board of Directors; The St. Charles Fine Line Creative Arts Center

•Member, Elgin Choral Union

•Volunteer, Larsen High School Landscaping Task Force

Honors/Awards:

•United States Naval Reserves Honorable Discharge 

•2008 Elgin Mayor’s Awards for Preservation on Elgin Homes Dairy Loft

•2007 Elgin Mayor’s Awards for Preservation on 216 Prairie Street (old Adams Auto parts dealership)