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WGLT is committed to helping you become an informed voter ahead of the April 6 local election.

Kelby Cumpston Announces Run For Bloomington City Council In Ward 7

Kelby Cumpston
Kelby Cumpston
/
Twitter
Kelby Cumpston, a Bloomington native, said Friday he plans to run for council in Ward 7, which includes northwest Bloomington.

One candidate has already emerged in the race to succeed Scott Black on the Bloomington City Council.

Kelby Cumpston, a Bloomington native, said Friday he plans to run for council in Ward 7, which includes northwest Bloomington.

Black now represents Ward 7 but announced Friday he’s not seeking re-election to a third term in 2021. Black previously served on the McLean County Board.

"First I want to shout out Scott Black for his service on the BLM City Council," Cumpston tweeted Friday night. "While I'm disappointed that he's not running again, I'm also heartened at the chance to serve and represent Ward 7, and I am looking forward to earning your support in the coming months! Let's do this!"

Cumpston, 30, works as a project manager overseeing the construction of affordable housing in Illinois and Indiana. He serves on Bloomington's Property Maintenance Review Board.

Cumpston is a first-time candidate. He said he's been active in the community for a while and recently campaigned for former Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders.

"I'm running because I'm deeply passionate about Bloomington politics and really invested in making sure this is the best community for all of us who live here," Cumpston told WGLT. "And I think I have a lot I can contribute to the council."

Cumpston said he plans to develop an official platform after talking to people in Ward 7.

"I certainly am committed to the work happening around O'Neil Pool, the conversations around the future of the police department, addressing the food desert, and affordable housing," he said.

The election is April 6, 2021. The Bloomington mayor and aldermen in odd-numbered wards will all be up for election.

In Ward 5, currently represented by Joni Painter, an unnamed progressive is planning a campaign announcement on July 8.

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Ryan Denham is the digital content director for WGLT.
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