Chris Koos

Campaign contributor Greg Shepard played an unusual role in the Normal mayoral election. He spoke to WGLT on Wednesday but was largely evasive.

Mayor Chris Koos of Normal has won a 6th full term in office, defeating challengers Kathleen Lorenz and Chemberly Harris.

Normal mayoral candidate Kathleen Lorenz faced criticism Sunday from one of her two opponents after accepting a $28,000 campaign contribution from the McLean County Republicans that she said was really a pass-through contribution from a specific donor.

All three candidates for Normal mayor agree that people need a safer way to cross the railroad tracks in Uptown Normal. But they differ on whether that should be an underpass, an overpass, or something else altogether.

Normal Mayor Chris Koos is used to facing opposition for re-election. But he’s never faced off against two sitting town council members who both say it’s time for a change after 22 years.

The Normal Town Council has done little to address the housing shortage, up against daunting macroeconomic forces. All three candidates for Normal mayor say more action is needed over the next four years, though they differ on the specifics.

If you’re looking for differences between the three candidates running for Normal mayor, their opinions about taxes and fees are a good place to start.

The three candidates participated in a WGLT forum to answer questions submitted by the voters, each making their pitch for the leadership style they want for Normal.

Mayor Chris Koos says the atmosphere in Washington, D.C., is unsettled, as the flurry of executive orders seeking to chop federal spending continues.

As new proposals to ease the Bloomington-Normal housing shortage move forward this spring and summer, city and town council members will weigh in on what they think. There’s already diversity of thought among council members on the issue.