Business consultant and entrepreneur Mike Straza has announced a campaign for Bloomington City Council’s Ward 5 seat in next April's municipal election.
That ward includes property east of Veterans Parkway and areas on the north and south sides of Empire Street.
In his campaign announcement, Straza claimed his experience as an entrepreneur and business consultant will serve as a resource for him as a council member.
“I’m passionate about growing business opportunities, advancing our infrastructure, and strengthening the relationships within our community,” Straza said in his announcement. “As your Ward 5 representative, I want to capitalize on all that is good and exciting in our community to make it even better.”
Straza had planned to run for the Ward 5 council seat in 2021 but decided to run for mayor instead after then-mayor Tari Renner chose not to run for a third term. Straza lost to Mboka Mwilambwe in a three-way race.
Current Ward 5 council member Nick Becker said family health issues had him considering not running for re-election. Becker said Straza's decision to run for the seat made his choice clear.
“The time to effectively manage council was a question for me. I really wanted to run, but when I saw Mike as being an available candidate – he is so qualified and such a good candidate – I was excited to support him and support my family as well,” Becker said.
No other candidate has declared plans to run for the seat next year.
