By Howard Packowitz
BLOOMINGTON – The third Bloomington alderman who’s decided not to seek reelection said she can no longer devote the time necessary to do the job because of family and work obligations.
Still, Alderman Amelia Buragas, who represents Ward 4 covering the north-central part of the city, said she finds her council work meaningful and very rewarding.
“Everyone sitting up here has the best interests in mind and is trying to do what they believe is best for the community, even when we disagree. I think sometimes that gets lost because we do focus on the debate, and on the disagreement between council members,” said Buragas.
Buragas waited to announce her decision until the final day to file nominating petitions for the April 2 election.
“I’m at a different point now with the age of my children (ages 5 and 9). They have a lot more activities going on, as well as my career where my day-to-day life and my day-to-day professional career is busier than it was. So, it’s harder for me to make that time commitment,” she said.
Two candidates are running to replace Buragas. They are insurance broker Don “Chip” Frank and Julie Emig. Buragas is supporting Emig.
Buragas, a local lawyer, has applied to become an associate judge for the judicial circuit that includes McLean County. She said her decision-making to apply for a judgeship was separate from her thought process in deciding not to run for a second term as alderman.
Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]
