Bloomington council hopeful not worried whether incumbent Sage enters race

Posted on August 10, 2018
Chissell
Georgene Chissell, candidate for Bloomington alderman in Ward 2, meets with a voter at the 2018 McLean County Fair. (File photo by Howard Packowitz/WJBC)

 

By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON – A Bloomington businesswoman is officially announcing her candidacy for alderman in the second ward, covering the city’s southwest side. However, the incumbent alderman in Ward 2 has yet to announce whether he’s running for reelection.

Georgene Chissell owns Divine Cleaning Services of Central Illinois, is a Democratic precinct committeewoman, and serves on the city’s historic preservation commission.

Chissell said she’s started canvassing neighborhoods, so she’s not worried whether incumbent David Sage will enter the race.

“Not one person has said anything negative about me running as I go door-to-door. Some are saying we need somebody who will be available to the people, and that is me,” Chissell said.

Chissell would like Mayor Tari Renner’s endorsement, although she doesn’t have it yet.

“When I win, I will be working with him. I would love to have that endorsement,” Chissell said.

Sage has served on the council since 2007. Two other incumbents, Amelia Buragas in Ward 4 and Karen Schmidt in Ward 6, have yet to announce their intentions. Ward 8 Alderman Diana Hauman is not running for reelection.

Chissell’s campaign announcement happened Friday at the McLean County Museum of History in Downtown Bloomington.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]

 

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