The November election campaign season has not peaked, yet a Bloomington City Council candidate has already announced a run for Ward 6 in the nonpartisan municipal consolidated election next April 4.
Cody Hendricks is a history teacher in the Olympia School District. Hendricks said in a news release he previously served on the Pekin City Council from 2011-2015. He has also served on the sister cities and beautification committees in Bloomington.
The new Ward 6 following redistricting takes in much of downtown Bloomington and the west side of Bloomington. Hendricks said strong downtowns produce returns that benefit other parts of cities, such as west Bloomington.
“The new Ward 6 is crucially important as it represents the heart and soul of Bloomington — our downtown. We have a real opportunity to revitalize and help enhance our downtown’s accessibility and growth while keeping the historic charm that makes it unique in the local area,” said Hendricks.
The current Ward 6 council member is De Urban, who was appointed to fill a vacancy when Jenn Carrillo resigned.
Hendricks said he wants to expand equitable city services, provide excellent constituent relations, and downtown revitalization. Hendricks said he values social justice and equity. He is a union president.
Even numbered wards (2,4,6,8) will be up for election next year, plus Ward 1 which will select a council member to fill the remaining two years of Jamie Mathy's unexpired term. The incumbents in those wards are: Grant Walch (1), Donna Boelen (2), Julie Emig (4), De Urban (6), and Jeff Crabill (8).
Petition circulation has just begun for the potential primary contest leading to the April election. The first day to file petitions is Nov. 21. The last is Nov. 28. That is also the last day to file petitions for public questions on public policy for the ballot.
