A second candidate has emerged for Bloomington City Council's Ward 5, which includes neighborhoods just north of Veterans Parkway and Empire Street.
Mike Straza says he's an entrepreneur, business consultant, and business mentor who has lived in Bloomington for 37 years.
Straza says he'll focus on developing small business; advancing infrastructure, such as implementing Smart Cities initiatives; and strengthening community, including diversity and inclusion initiatives.
“Living in Bloomington for the last 37 years has shown me what a fantastic place this is for both private citizens and the business community," Straza said in a statement Wednesday. "Serving as your Ward 5 representative would be a great honor. Together, we can build upon all that is good and exciting in our community—to make it even better. If elected by the voters in Ward Five, I look forward to working with my neighbors and community leaders to support my Building Bloomington Together vision."
Ward 5 is currently represented by Joni Painter, who has served on the city council since February 2014 when Mayor Tari Renner appointed her to finish the remaining three years of the term. She was elected in 2015 and re-elected in 2017.
Painter said Wednesday she has not decided whether to seek re-election.
Normal Community High School teacher Patrick Lawler announced his run for Ward 5 in June.
Bloomington council seats in wards 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 will be on the ballot next spring, along with the mayor.
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