McLean Co. Board member Buchanan resigns

Rich Buchanan
McLean County Board member Rich Buchanan was first elected in 2012. (Photo courtesy www.mcleancountyil.gov)

By Eric Stock

BLOOMINGTON – One of McLean County’s longest-serving public officials, County Board member Rich Buchanan, has resigned.

Buchanan, 78, cited health concerns in the resignation letter he submitted to the board’s Executive Committee.

Buchanan previously served on the Bloomington City Council in the 1970s before being elected to two terms as mayor from 1977-1985. He served on the city’s liquor commission for decades until he was elected to the County Board in 2012.

County Board Chairman John McIntyre said Buchanan is a great listener.

“He would come in on an issue and keep an open mind,” McIntyre said. “I always thought that Rich was always voting to do what he thought was best for the people if McLean County.”

The County Board plans to take applications from anyone interested in serving in the District 7 seat until Sept. 7. The board plans to appoint a successor on Sept. 19.

Buchanan served as Vice Chairman of the County Board’s Property Committee and was a member of the board’s Transportation Committee.

Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].

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