George Wendt has served the largely rural and very Republican-leaning McLean County Board District 3 for 14 years. In an unusual event, Wendt faces a primary challenge from Brian Loeffler, a farmer in the southern and western part of the county.
Loeffler has not responded to several requests for a WGLT interview. The district has a strong rural component, and the population skews conservative. The winner of the primary will likely be elected in November, though the Democratic candidate is Rob Ogborn.
Wendt said Republican Party representation on the board is tied with the Democratic party at 10-10, and that's an important part of why he wants another term.
“I think it's a good idea to have somebody that's had a lot of experience with the board to remain. And so that's why I've decided to run again. I may be old. But I've had a lot of experience,” said Wendt.
Wendt is 83. He has survived leukemia. He said neither age nor illness is an issue for another term.
“I don't have my thumb on the nuclear button. So, I don't think it's that big of a thing,” said Wendt. “I'm back to about the same as most people my age. All my records come back right in the middle of what they should be. And I'm very fortunate there. Because yes, there was a point in time that I had a lot of difficulty.”
Wendt attended some committee and board meetings remotely during chemotherapy several years ago after seeking a policy change to allow remote attendance.
“One of the board members who was against the phone-in, said, ‘George, you could really disrupt our meeting.’ My response was, if you think I could disrupt your meeting, when I'm on the phone, just think what I can do if I'm there in person. That did get a big chuckle. And then they passed it. And several people have used it besides myself since, which is good,” said Wendt.
Loeffler wrote in a campaign announcement in August that budget constraints can slow police response times and Loeffler believed people don't feel as safe as they once did. Wendt that sentiment is not what constituents tell him. In any case Wendt said he has a strong record on public safety.
"Throughout the 14 years I have been on the board I have supported anything and everything that the sheriff wanted. And we try to keep the sheriff updated on what he needs," said Wendt.
Wendt said he’s not quite sure why he attracted opposition from Loeffler.
“I don't really understand it. Because obviously, my district is conservative. And my biggest thing that I would like to have him answer very simply is, what vote that I have made, would he voted differently? I think, basically, the majority of my constituents like the votes that I have made,” said Wendt.
Wendt also said he's proud of his emphasis on holding the property tax rate steady.
“I have personally worked hard to keep our tax rate the same. It is the same as when I first went on the board,” said Wendt.
Wendt said he wants to make public input easier at McLean County Board meetings. He wants people to be able to sign up at the meeting to speak and would eliminate a signup deadline the day before a meeting. Much of the policy debate that forms final proposals that go to the board happens in committee meetings. Wendt urged members of the public interested in any issue to attend and speak at those committee meetings. He said he also wants to minimize signup deadlines for committee gatherings.
Wendt voiced opposition to carbon capture pipelines and carbon dioxide injection wells, a developing issue thanks to climate change reduction tax credit legislation at the federal level. Wendt said his opposition is from a desire to preserve the underground drinking water supply.
"We don't want that pipeline to go anywhere near where the water is. And definitely we don't want them to drill and put wells down anywhere near the aqua (aquifer)," said Wendt.
Wendt said wind farms are another issue that requires further work. When a wind tower reaches the end of its useful lifespan, the company that owns it is supposed to pay to remove it for farmers. Wind farm companies are required to set up a decommissioning fund to pay for that. Wendt said companies sometimes do not meet the legal obligation.
“In most cases, they've not deposited enough money to take care of reconditioning the land. And the one big concern I have is they put down $25,000, I think is the case. But there's no escalation in there for inflation,” said Wendt. “We should definitely get the inflation thing entered because obviously 10 years down the road, it probably costs more.”
Wendt also noted his opposition to a proposed solid waste transfer station just south of Bloomington in his district. The board has sent that proposal to the state pollution control board for action.
Editor's note: this story has been changed to identify Rob Ogborn as the Democratic candidate in District 3.
