UPDATED 2:40 p.m. | Bloomington Alderman Amelia Buragas is one of 22 people who’ve applied for two vacant judgeships on the Eleventh Judicial Circuit, officials said Tuesday.
Buragas is a lawyer who was elected to the Bloomington City Council in 2015. She represents Ward 4, which includes parts of downtown, the Washington Street corridor, and Founders’ Grove.
Buragas told GLT that her decision to apply doesn't mean she's definitely leaving the council.
"I find my service on council very rewarding and believe that the next few years will be an exciting time of growth and opportunity for the city," she said in a statement. "I have been carefully considering whether I can continue to balance city council with my personal and professional obligations before announcing my intentions on running for re-election. The decision to apply for the associate opening is not an indication that I have ruled out a second term, but reflects my desire to seek out professional opportunities as they arise that are consistent with my passion for public service."
Wards 2, 4, 6, and 8 are all up for re-election in April 2019.
The 22 applicants are looking to fill upcoming vacancies created by the December retirements of Associate Judges David Butler and Lee Ann Hill. Other applicants include McLean County Public Defender Carla Barnes and McLean County First Assistant State's Attorney Jessica Woods.
Here’s the full list of applicants, via the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts:
- Kristin A. Alferink
- Scott J. Black
- Brian M. Gabor
- Jessica L. Jones
- Matthew P. Koetters
- Ronald L. Lewis
- Jennifer L. Patton
- Albert J. Zimmerman
- Carla E. Barnes
- Amelia S. Buragas
- John P. Heil
- Danielle M. Kays
- Scott E. Kording
- Edward G. McKibbin
- Kevin C. Sanborn
- Adrian G. Barr
- Joseph W. Foley
- Aaron F. Hornsby
- John K. Kim
- Andrew J. Lankton
- Todd C. Miller
- Jessica E. Woods
After interviews, the circuit judges of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit will pick who gets the jobs by late November. The circuit includes McLean, Ford, Livingston, Logan, and Woodford counties.
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