By Eric Stock

BLOOMINGTON – McLean County is moving two polling sites out of Unit 5 schools as the district considers those polling sites a security risk.

Unit 5 attorney Curt Richardson told the County Board during its monthly meeting Tuesday opening the doors to Normal West High School and Parkside Junior High to voters on a school day violates the school’s security code.

“While I wish we didn’t have to worry about these things, unfortunately we live in a time where school shootings continue to happen each day and there are people who would like to harm our students,” Richardson said.

The County Board voted 13-3 to move the polling sites to Heartland Community College. Several board members raised concerns that voters who lack transportation would have a harder time getting the polls.

County Clerk Kathy Michael said the county will heavily publicize through mailings and social media the free transportation options that are available on election day, which includes Connect Transit, Checker Cab and local political party volunteers.

“That can’t cover everyone, so any way you (board members) can help with your constituents, to get the word out,” Michael said. “If I need to go door to door I certainly will.”

Board member Mark Johnson whose District 4 includes the old polling sites, suggests more voters are turned away by a lack of parking.

“They would actually be better convenienced given they would be parking in a larger parking lot at Heartland and having a lot easier time getting in and out at the time of polling,” Johnson said.

The county decided against most the polling site at the Normal Police substation at 623 W. Orlando Ave. after determining more room could be made available there.

Buchanan honored

The McLean County Board presented a proclamation honoring Rich Buchanan, who submitted his resignation to the County Board last week.

Buchanan, 78, cited health concerns in giving up the District 7 seat he held for four years and eight months. He previously served two terms as Bloomington’s mayor from 1977-1985, serving on the city council for eight years and served on the city’s liquor commission for 35 years.

County Board Chairman John McIntyre is taking applications from anyone interested in serving in the District 7 seat until Sept. 7. The board plans to appoint a successor on Sept. 19.