By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON – The McLean County Board met for the first time at night since Republican Chairman John McIntyre extended an olive branch to newly elected Democrats.

The new board members ran on a platform to hold the monthly meetings at a time more convenient for constituents who work during the day.

Tuesday evening’s session did not attract any more people, but that may have been influenced by the weather and lack of controversial issues on the agenda for a meeting that lasted only 12 minutes.

However, Jim Rogal, a father of five and local laborer from Normal, said he’ll make it a habit to attend board meetings.

“It’s just easier to make it in the evening. I work and I’m on the road a lot, so it’s tough to be here in town on Tuesday morning to make it to a county board meeting.”

The desire to be more informed about county business led Rogal to vote for board member Logan Smith, who’s 19 and elected in November.

Smith acknowledged most of board’s work is done in the various committees, which meet during the day.

“We barely get any public attention at those (committee meetings),” said Smith.

“Something I pushed was live-streaming committee meetings. It’s not about whether they’re actually here, but that people have information that’s accessible to them,” Smith added.

The county board meets in regular session at 5:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday of every month.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]