Staff / WGLT
Carrillo made those comments on Facebook after her preferred slate of progressive candidates went 0-for-4 in the April 6 election. She said she “looked forward to making Sheila Montney’s and Nick Becker’s life a living hell for the next 2 years,” referring to the Ward 3 and Ward 5 who defeated the two candidates she backed in those races. She also called Montney and Becker, who have never held public office, “dangerous authoritarians.”
Mwilambwe said Carrillo’s remarks were “unbecoming of a council member.”
“There are countless numbers of young people who look up to us,” he said. “Constituents who expect great service from us. Many of them have demanded and deserve better.”
Charlie Schlenker / WGLT
In Normal, 2,000 more voters cast ballots Tuesday than have ever voted in a town election before. And yet, that s still just over 25% of registered voters.
There were 8,536 ballots cast for Normal mayor out of 33,566 registered voters this cycle. The last time out, there were 6,300 odd ballots cast in the mayoral race, then a record total. Turnout this time was 25.4%.
Mayor Chris Koos touted the record turnout as a validation of his campaign. So did losing mayoral candidate Marc Tiritilli, who said it shows his views were heard.
Yes, but not so fast, said Illinois State University political scientist Erik Rankin, who said the obverse is three-quarters of registered voters didn t show up at the polls.
Emily Bollinger / WGLT
Originally published on April 8, 2021 11:39 am
It s easy to see that the municipal election in Bloomington did not go well for progressives. The People First Coalition went 0-for-4 at the ballot box as more conservative and centrist candidates won.
While progressive candidates think they delivered a winning message, a local political scientist said they need to moderate that message if they want to get elected.
Jackie Gunderson was at the top of progressive ticket. She came in third in a three-way race for Bloomington mayor. Gunderson oversees capital projects at Illinois State University.
Gunderson said the election was a first for many in the progressive movement a first for the candidates, volunteers and even some voters.
Staff / WGLT
UPDATED 11:30 p.m. | Mboka Mwilambwe claimed victory Tuesday night after defeating two less-experienced opponents in the Bloomington mayoral election. He will become the city s first Black mayor.
Mwilambwe campaigned on his experience 10 years on the city council and a pledge to focus on updating the city’s roads and other infrastructure, and providing core services like public safety and recreation. He will succeed outgoing Mayor Tari Renner, who did not seek a third term.
Mwilambwe led with 38.7% of the vote over Mike Straza (36.9%) and Jackie Gunderson (24.1%), with all precincts reporting, according to the Bloomington Election Commission.
Mwilambwe was the only mayoral candidate with experience in elected office. He has represented Ward 3 on the city’s east side for the past decade.
Normal, IL, USA / www.cities929.com
Apr 7, 2021 2:59 AM
Mboka Mwilambwe won a three-way contest to become mayor of Bloomington. Mwilambwe defeated progressive candidate Jackie Gunderson and perceived moderate Mike Straza.
Mwilambwe’s victory makes him Bloomington’s first black mayor.
Mayor-elect Mwilambwe spoke to Cities 92.9’s Steve Suess last night:
Incumbent Normal Mayor Chris Koos edged out challenger Marc Tiritilli to keep his seat along with the incumbent town council seats apparently being retained–at this point.
The mayoral race was again,very tight! Koos pulled out his apparent 400-vote victory late last evening after the early voting and mail in ballots were counted last (about 1,800 ballots)