Chris Koos, who has been the Town of Normal’s mayor since 2003, is seeking four more years in office.
Koos said Monday he plans to run for what would be his sixth four-year term, in the April 2025 consolidated election. He was appointed in 2003 to fill the remainder of Kent Karraker's term.
“My guiding belief is that you don’t just live in great communities, you work to make great communities.” Koos said in a news release. “In partnership with my fellow council members, a dedicated Town staff and community stakeholders, we have worked to make Normal into the unique and wonderful place it is today.
He said he believes he is better positioned than ever to leverage his experience to help the town.
"With my ability to work with longstanding relationships with federal and state partners I think I have a lot to offer the community," said Koos.
In his most recent races, Koos narrowly defeated Marc Tiritilli in 2017, and in a 2021 rematch, Koos won with about 52% of the vote in the two-way race. Previous opponents included Jeff Fritzen, Andrew Mathews, and Gary Oehler.
"There is more we can accomplish together. I am the right choice for Normal, with the necessary experience and passion to continue leading Normal.”
Koos said he wants to continue improving the livability of the town and the strength of its economy.
"But the idea that we would have a more diverse economy, a more diverse workforce opportunity to me was always something from the day I started this job was very important to me and we've succeeded," said Koos.
Koos owns and operates Vitesse Cycle Shop and Often Running in Normal. He also serves on the Amtrak Board of Directors. He’s vice president of the Illinois Municipal League, and vice chair of the Transportation Committee of the U.S. Conference of Mayors. That's a lot. Koos just had his 76th birthday. The mayor said age is not now an issue.
"For me it's self-realization and self-awareness, to be really honest with yourself. At your age do you have the energy and do you have the health to do this. And my answer today is yes, I do," said Koos.
Koos also is a Vietnam veteran, which he called a “life-changing experience” that informed his service as mayor. He took a brief leave from office in 2018 after he was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
No other candidates have declared plans to run for the seat.
Candidates for the spring 2025 elections can start circulating nominating petitions on Aug. 20. Candidates can file those petitions Nov. 12-18.
WGLT will update this story.
