UPDATED 7:04 P.M.
WASHINGTON, Ill. – A central Illinois mayor is looking to win a seat in Springfield.
Gary Manier has announced his candidacy as a Republican for the 53rd State Senate. The race will not have an incumbent next year, as current holder Tom Bennett (R-Gibson City) announced plans to retire after the term expires in January 2025.
“It’s a matter of (local) funding and all the unfunded mandates that cities receive, kind of sparked my interest to see if we can get things changed,” said Manier, in an interview with WMBD News Wednesday night.
The district covers all or parts of several counties, including Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, McLean, Marshall, Putnam, Bureau, LaSalle, and Grundy.
Manier says his decades serving Washington, along with being involved in the Illinois Municipal League, should help him serve constituents in Springfield, if elected.
“I think that helping municipalities at the legislative level in Springfield, I think that I could be a benefit not only just to Washington, but the entire 53rd District, knowing what municipalities have to deal with, and where funding comes from,” said Manier.
Grundy County Board Chairman Chris Balkema has also announced his intentions to run as a Republican for the seat next year.
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