Renner: Time to move forward after Sorensen resignation

Matt Sorensen
McLean County Board Chairman Matt Sorensen resigned on Tuesday after being indicted on federal fraud charges stemming from his time at State Farm. (Photo by Eric Stock/WJBC)

By Eric Stock

BLOOMINGTON – A former colleague of McLean County Board chairman Matt Sorensen said stepping down was the right thing to go.

“I don’t see how you can continue in a position of leadership under those circumstances,” Bloomington mayor Tari Renner said. “I’m very surprised and we’ve got to move forward.”

PODCAST: Listen to Scott and Colleen’s interview with Renner on WJBC.

Bloomington mayor Tari Renner told WJBC’s Scott Laughlin he always had a good relationship dating back to the 10 years they served together on the County Board

“I’ve always found him to be very competent,” Renner said.

Sorensen faces federal fraud charges tied to his former job as a consultant for State Farm. He is due in federal court in Chicago on Wednesday.

The County Board is expected to name a new chairman next week. The county has 60 days to fill his seat on the board.

Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…