By WMBD-TV
NORMAL – Normal Town Councilmember Chemberly Harris is throwing her hat in the town’s mayoral race.
“It took a lot of thought to come to the decision to run for mayor,” said Harris. “There are so many things going on locally, statewide and federally. I wanted to be part of the good impact we can have.”
Harris describes the town as a diamond in the rough. She said it’s time to share the goodness of Normal and the fact it’s a place people can call home.
“It’s the place that people sometimes overlook cause it’s the small community but there’s so much richness, history and economic development in the culture, in the people that live here,” Harris said.
Housing and culture are two focal point for Harris.
“I definitely want us to continue to have the conversation on housing and not just a band-aid over the situation. I want us to think of a long-term strategy because things will change and we always have to plan for even past this moment,” said Harris. “I want us to continue to talk about the fact that we are becoming more culturally diverse. So, how do our multi-culturalism continue to form here? What are the engagements and experiences people have? Do we continue to be that place that people can work, live and play? Again, making the place that people can call home.”
The Cleveland, Ohio native was elected to the council in 2017.
“I have no family here. I have no direct ties that would forever keep me tied here,” said Harris. “But it’s the desire to be here. The love and the passion I have for Normal. And the fact that I want to see great things from this community is why I stay.”
Harris is currently the National League of Cities 2024 Regional Director of the National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials (NBC-LEO). She can also be seen in the community working with students from Youth on a Mission or volunteering with the Bloomington-Normal Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.
“I see the future and the vision for our community, and I know the potential it has,”said Harris. “I’m excited to dive in and to see what more I can bring this community.”
At this time, the current mayor, Chris Koos is in the race. The consolidated election is April 1, 2025.
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