By Greg Halbleib

BLOOMINGTON – A long-time Bloomington alderman says he won’t seek re-election, and a second woman has announced plans to run for the position.

Ward 2 Alderman David Sage announced Tuesday morning that he won’t run for a fourth term on the city council.

Sage announced the decision after seven years on the city’s planning commission and 12 years on the city council. Sage was first elected to the Ward 2 seat in 2007.

“I’m humbled the residents in Ward 2 have allowed me to represent them, and it’s been a privilege to serve the people of Bloomington,” Sage said in a release. “It’s time for me to step back so others can serve.”

“I’m excited about moving some Ward 2 projects forward, helping our new city manager settle in, and working with my fellow council members through the end of my term,” Sage said. “After that I’m looking forward to finding
new volunteer opportunities in our great city.”

His community work has included serving with the Boys and Girls Club, Habitat for Humanity and the Unit 5 Citizens Advisory Council.

Georgine Chissell announced her plans to run for the Ward 2 council seat last week.

Shortly after Sage released his decision not to run again, another candidate said she would enter the race for his council spot.

Donna Boelen formally announced she would run for the Ward 2 position Tuesday afternoon. In her announcement release, Boelen said she has lived in Bloomington for 26 years and has volunteered at her church, with a parent-teacher organization, the Girl Scouts, Friends of the Bloomington Public Library and at a food pantry. She said she has interacted with city staff for the past five years and has regularly attended city council meetings, speaking during several of them.

Boelen said her focus would be on what she called a seldom-mentioned priority of the council, financial management.

The election is in April.

Greg Halbleib can be reached at [email protected].