Four people want to succeed McLean County Board member Rich Buchanan—and three of them are former Bloomington City Council or mayoral candidates.
Lupe Diaz, Bob Fike and Sheheryar Muftee were all unsuccessful in their April municipal races. Joining them in vying for Buchanan's former District 7 seat is Bloomington Planning Commission member Ryan Scritchlow.
A fifth candidate, Bennett Morris, withdrew from consideration Monday. Morris, leader of the McLean County Libertarian Party, is a former candidate for Heartland Community College's board of trustees.
"I was informed that there is a rule that requires County Board appointments to declare themselves members of the same party as the departing board member," Morris said in a statement. "This rule was not mentioned in the application process and would have deterred me from applying.
"While I have an interest in serving on the McLean County Board, I decline to do so by sacrificing my principles and subscribing to either of the two old parties that have failed our state and country," Morris added.
Buchanan resigned from District 7 in August because of health reasons. The district covers part of the east side of Bloomington. The replacement board member would serve until the November 2018 election when a four-year term is at stake.
The McLean County Board Executive Committee will hear presentations from the five applicants Tuesday afternoon. Buchanan's replacement will be chosen Sept. 19 at the full county board meeting.
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