By Heart of Illinois ABC

NORMAL –  A Bradley University professor is stepping forward as a candidate for the Normal Town Council.

Attorney Brad McMillan was also District Chief of Staff to former Congressman and U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

McMillan is the second candidate entering the council race. Earlier this week, another attorney and current Normal Planning Commission Chairman A.J. Zimmerman announced his candidacy.

In a news release, McMillan said he takes a “collaborative and positive” approach to working with community stakeholders, wants to bring more diversity to the decision-making process, and nurture local business expansion.

McMillan said he intends to leverage assets like Rivian Automotive and Illinois State University to build a “climate of innovation.” McMillan also said he’ll work to “maintain and encourage” investment in historic neighborhoods.

McMillan said he lives in a historic neighborhood near Uptown.

At Bradley, McMillan is executive director of the Institute for Principled Leadership in Public Service, and is co-chair of CHANGE Illinois, which promotes government ethics reform.

Three Normal Town Council seats are up for election on April 6 of next year.

The mayor’s post is also up for election. Long-time incumbent Chris Koos announced Wednesday he’s a candidate for re-election. His 2017 opponent, Marc Tiritilli, said he’s making another bid for the mayor’s job.

Heart of Illinois ABC can be reached at [email protected].