By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON – Veteran McLean County Board member Paul Segobiano won’t run as a Republican or as a write-in candidate to retain his seat, but he will not endorse the woman who soundly defeated him in last month’s Democratic primary.

Shayna Watchinski won the Democratic nomination with a little more than 70 percent of the vote, but Segobiano said he and several people he’s talked to have very little knowledge about her and don’t think she’s been involved in enough community activities.

“I have very little knowledge of her. I’ve talked to several people who have very little knowledge of her,” said Segobiano.

“I don’t think she’s had enough involvement in local community activities and organizations to be a member of the county board.”

Segobiano said he’s moving on to continue working with at-risk youth, but he’s consulting with some Republicans to come up with a suitable candidate for District 8.

He said he was told from the beginning Republicans would not challenge him, but circumstances have changed.

“Now there has been a change in opinion and I am in conversation with some members of that party. We will continue to have discussion and if the right person is wanting to step forward, I will support them.?”

A Libertarian, Steve Suess, is also running to represent the district, which includes Bloomington’s west side.

Segobiano has held that seat since the 1970’s.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]