Matthew Koetters is running for the Bloomington City Council Ward 5 seat. (Photo courtesy of Matthew Koetters)

By Stephanie Pawlowski

BLOOMINGTON - The Ward five seat in Bloomington is now a contested race.

Alderwoman Jennifer McDade is seeking reelection, but she has a challenger, Matthew Koetters. He is an attorney in the McLean County public defender's office. Koetters was born in Quincy, Ill. and grew up on a farm in Coatsburg, Ill. Koetters said the city needs to spend less money.

"Right now we have $80 million in general fund debt, we have over $120 million in pensions that we owe," Koetters said. "If we just keep going about it that way, it's going to snowball on us."

The city's total governmental debt as of April 2011 is $80.8 million.

Koetters questions some recent decisions from the council including reversing the decision to allow video gambling. He also thinks the city needs to focus on luring in more businesses.

"That old K's Merchandise building has been vacant. I'm not sure what the city could or should do to remedy that, but that's a major building on Veteran's Parkway that's an eyesore," Koetters said.

This is Koetters first run for a public office. He said he was encouraged by John Butler of the McLean County Board.

The consolidated election is April 9, 2013.

Stephanie Pawlowski can be reached at Stephanie.Pawlowski@Cumulus.com.