McLean County Board Chairman Matt Sorensen presented a plaque to 11th Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Elizabeth Robb in honor of her retirement. (Photo by Eric Stock/WJBC)

By Eric Stock

BLOOMINGTON – McLean County wants to extend a long-standing enterprise zone that has spurred development for the last 30 years, but one County Board member wants to make sure the county is attracting more than just high-tech jobs.

Board member Chuck Erickson, R-Bloomington, said manufacturing jobs are needed too.

"Assembly line jobs can provide for families and they can be a stepping stone for something else," Erickson said. "I don't think we should forget about those."

Kyle Ham, CEO of the Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council, said if the work force will support it, they'll try to attract it.  

"Nothing should be left off the table" Ham said. "This community knows how to go to work and build things."

The County Board has approved requesting the state extend a 15-mile zone which offers tax breaks for development. It is set to expire July 1, 2015.

Affordable Care Act

Republicans in Washington aren't the only ones try to get Obamacare repealed. Erickson wants the county to turn down a state grant that would help cover the county's costs associated with helping people get sign up through the Affordable Care Act.

"I don't think Obamacare – and we can call it the Affordable Care Act too if that makes people happy – I think there's a better way to get health insurance to those people, Erickson said.

Erickson called the health care law bad policy and he said he hopes a Republican-controlled Senate can repeal and replace it next year. The County Board accepted the grant on a voice vote.

The County Board also presented a plaque to Chief Judge for the 11th Judicial Circuit, Elizabeth Robb, who is retiring Dec. 31. She served as a judge for 22 years and is credited with starting a drug court and mediation programs.

Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].