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Professor Touts Collaboration, Diversity In Normal Town Council Bid

Brad McMillan portait
Brad McMillan
Brad McMillan becomes the second candidate to declare for Normal Town Council in 2021.

A Bradley University professor and former congressional office manager has declared his candidacy for Normal Town Council.
Brad McMillan said his political philosophy has evolved over the years, but he considers himself an independent.

“I think I can bring some new ideas and I have a very positive collaborative leadership style,” McMillan said. “I just would like to see Normal prosper and continue to move forward in a positive direction. “

McMillan added he wants to bring more diversity and inclusion to the decision-making process on the council.

“I am a gay married man, so I bring a little bit different perspective to the equation,” McMillan said. “I believe Normal could benefit from having more diversity and would like to promote that and support that in any way I could.”

McMillan said he also wants to bring more affordable housing to the community to foster greater diversity.

McMillan, an attorney, served as district chief of staff to former congressman and U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood before Bradley hired him in 2007 as executive director of its Institute for Principled Leadership in Public Service.

McMillan said he has lived in Normal for 2 ½ years and ran for public office once before, losing to a Peoria City Council incumbent in the 1990s.

McMillan becomes the second candidate to declare for one of three at-large seats on the town council next April. Those seats are currently held by Chemberly Cummings, Scott Preston and Kevin McCarthy.

The mayor’s office also is on the ballot. Chris Koos has announced plans to see a fifth term. Marc Tiritilli, who narrowly lost to Koos in 2007, said on social media he plans to run.

The candidate filing period is Nov. 16-23.

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Eric Stock is the News Director at WGLT. You can contact Eric at ejstoc1@ilstu.edu.