Nathan “Chiko” Russo, a life-time west-side Bloomington resident and a Laborers Local 362 member, is running to represent McLean County District 8.

“I’m a life-time resident on the west-side,” Russo said.  “I worship at the same church as generations of my family before me have and I attended local public schools.  My wife and I are home-owners in our neighborhood.  I’m a construction worker with Laborers Local 362 and active with my local union.

“Decent jobs, support for our youth, our veterans, homeless people and hunger are all concerns I see in our community.  I want to be part of solving those problems.”

Russo’s concerns include:

Infrastructure and jobs – “A first step for our community is decent jobs. Rebuilding our streets and water systems means employment for people.   Those jobs pay a living wage with benefits and give a family security.  Our tax dollars have the most direct return when they are invested in rebuilding our community. 

Plus, businesses can open and come to our community if we’ve got roads that are in top shape and our water and other systems are functioning properly.  We are at a opportune moment here in Illinois, with the Governor’s Capital Bill, to have money to invest in infrastructure.  Let’s make sure McLean County gets a fair share of those funds to sustain living wage jobs and business opportunity.

“I spend a lot of time with young people in the community, particularly young people that might get labeled as at-risk.  Many of our young people are crying out for help.   There is a lot in society that frightens them; they need mental health services and they need to see a path out of despair to a sustainable future.  As a community, everyone gives lip service to the youth, but there is so much more we can do to keep our young people moving forward and seeing the opportunities that are out there.

“I want to represent; my candidacy reflects the west-side.  I want to ensure that when people see McLean County government they see a familiar neighborhood face.”

“As a union Laborer, I’ve worked on this community’s largest projects, with men and women of other trades.  I am active in my neighborhood on multiple fronts. Through this I’ve learned to collaborate on different fronts with different people.   I want to bring this skill set to the County Board, so I can be an effective board member, who will be known for rolling up his sleeves and getting the job done.