The dust has hardly settled from the last election and candidates already are preparing to file for the next one, the municipal consolidated contests next year.
Potential candidates for mayor of Bloomington now number at least four.
They include current city council member Mboka Mwilambwe, who is among four people known to have taken out petitions to run for the post. Two others took out petitions, but now say they won't run: Arthur Haynes and incumbent Mayor Tari Renner, who is not seeking re-election after two terms.
Besides Mwilambwe, the known potential candidates include entrepreneur Mike Straza, defeated Democratic County Board candidate RJ McCracken, and educator Misty Metroz.
The filing period begins Monday and ends at the close of business on Nov. 23.
If neccessary, a primary for the office would be held Feb. 23, 2021. The consolidated muncipal election itself will be April 6, 2021.
A primary election is triggered if more than two times the minimum number of candidates for a contested election files to run for an office. In the case of mayor, that would mean five or more candidates would have to file to require a primary.
There also will be contests for Bloomington City Council in wards 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9, for Bloomington Township supervisor, and Bloomington Township assessor.
In Normal, there are two announced candidates for mayor, Marc Tiritilli and incumbent Mayor Chris Koos. Three council seats also are up for voter consideration.
