By Adam Studzinski
BLOOMINGTON – McLean County Board District 10 candidate Josh Barnett wants to use his local connections to help improve the Board.
Barnett sits on the Bloomington Planning Commission, is the vice chairman of the County Republican Party and has been active on several other boards and committees. He told WJBC’s Terry James there is a need for greater transparency in county government.
“I think that starts with moving our County Board meetings from nine in the morning into the evenings, when more citizens can attend,” said Barnett. “We’re never going to get citizens greater access to be able to participate in the meetings or better diversity in the board membership if we continue to hold those meetings at 9 a.m.”
Barnett explained he disapproves of the proposed Eastside Highway, which has been in talks for a number of years. He’s also against property tax increases, something the board approved in the past year.
“I think from what I’ve heard talking to my constituents out there, the people who live in District 10, rather than raise taxes they want government to learn how to live within its current spending,” Barnett said.
Barnett added he wants to see the county leading the conversation on regional water supply.
“Right now, Bloomington has a bit of a plan, Normal has a plan, some of the local smaller municipalities out in the area, they’re got their own thing going on,” said Barnett. “But there is a huge need to address regional water supply. Not just in five years, but in 50 or 100 years.”
Barnett faces incumbent Ben Owens in the primary election next week.
Adam Studzinski can be reached at adam.studzinski@cumulus.com.
