Republicans and Democrats worked at grass roots democracy in Normal Township slating candidates for local offices.
There were several new faces on the Democrat side including Arlene Hosea who is running for Township Trustee.
“I have realized that in order to bring about change, one has to get right in the middle and be a part of that change and help inspire others to be a part of that change. We have a lot at stake,” said Hosea.
Hosea said its time for everyone to step up and see what role it is possible to fill to accomplish the change desired.
“I really hope to reach out to those individuals within our community, within our township who need the services the township provides, and ensure that they know that we are here for them and that we can best serve them,” said Hosea.
Joining Hosea running for Trustee are Samantha Quigle, Sally Pyne, and Joe Gorski. Jodi Slothower is running for Township Clerk as a Democrat. Sarah Grammer is running for Township Supervisor.
Though the Democratic Party in Normal Township did not field a full slate of candidates, the party has more people on the Township ballot than in many years. This comes on the heels of last week’s party gathering in Bloomington that filled precinct committee slots for the first time in a long time.
On the GOP side, outgoing Normal Town Council Member Cheryl Gaines survived a challenge from Township Trustee Rick Philips in slating for Township Supervisor. The vote was 90-66.
“In something like this you are never sure. Now, I saw an awful lot of familiar faces and I know a lot of people did come out for me and I really appreciate that. So, it was a relief. I was pretty nervous,” said Gaines.
McLean County GOP Party Chair Chuck Erickson said the contested process helps the party.
“I think it’s always good for democracy for people to have a choice and people had a choice and people made their choice and now we live with the choice and we back the nominee of the party and we go forward,” said Erickson.
Gaines said she wants to make sure the public knows about all the good things the township does.
Joining her on the GOP slate in Normal Township are incumbent Rob Cranston for Assessor, Arin Rader for Highway Commissioner, Clerk candidate Amy Conklin, and Trustees Candidates Ray Ropp, Rick Phillips, Randy Schaab, and Melvin Schultz.
