Alex Duffy for McLean County

As many of you know, I began my service on the McLean County Board while studying full time at ISU. My story isn’t novel, both my predecessors Jack Abraham and Hannah Beer also ran, won, and served while in college.

A big reason I got involved in county government was to be a voice for the thousands of young people that live here. In my role, I am proud to serve alongside a diverse board comprised of teachers, professors, farmers, historians, coaches, union reps, retirees, and business owners. We should continue to encourage community members from all walks of life to pursue public office.

Ensuring that service is accessible to everyone, not just the wealthy, means fair pay for fair work. That is a universal right, and underpaid public service will act as a barrier for entry if we do not compensate it appropriately.

I was disappointed to see this wage increase fail. The rate of pay has been stagnate for 10 years, with the wage for public service diluting as the cost of living and inflation drive up prices, and does not compare to the pay other county officials make in surrounding areas.

I know I’m not speaking for myself when I say money doesn’t motivate public service, but it does open the door for those who historically haven’t been able to serve to do so.

We should have a county government that is reflective of its people, not just a playground for those who can afford to do it without pay.

Divided McLean County Board rejects pay raise for members McLean County Board members have voted down a pay raise, rejecting what would have been their first raise in 10 years and keeping pay at the current level of $4,900 a year through the end of 2030.

Great turnout for Joshua Crockett for McLean County Clerk’s campaign kickoff fundraiser! Packed room with lots of energy. Check out his website to volunteer and/or donate ⬇️

https://joshuacrockett.com/

I’m thrilled to see other young leaders in our county meet the moment and take a stand for what they believe in. I have the pleasure of working in the same office as Joshua, and know his character and work ethic will mesh seamlessly into the role of County Clerk. He’s an honorable, community-oriented public servant, and I couldn’t be prouder to give him my support. Let’s help get this guy in the Government Center!

Democrat Joshua Crockett announces a run for McLean County Clerk Crockett said it's time for a fresh face in the office and he wants to do innovative things other county clerks do, such as employ universal polling places.

Earlier this year, I was honored to be appointed Vice Chair of the Board’s Legislative Sub Committee. Today, some of its members and I had the chance to advocate for what we consider to be McLean County’s policy priorities at the state capitol!

We spent the day visiting with various lawmakers, covering issues such as eligibility to access grants for solar programs, reforms toward the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), and bringing back state dollars to McLean County.

A big THANK YOU to the state representatives and senators who met with us, and our lobbyists who continue to promote the County’s interests in Springfield!

Thanks to Bob Odenkirk and Derek Kolstad for taking the time to visit Normal Theatre, right here in District 6!

I was thrilled I could watch their new film, “Normal,” which ironically enough takes place in the fictional town of Normal, Minnesota. While I was late to the punch for online tickets, Grant Chassy and I braved the line and managed to snag some at the door. It was a packed house, so we were lucky enough to be a part of the viewing.

For those of you that know me best, you know I’m a movie buff, and Odenkirk just so happens to be one of my favorite actors. Not everyone in line was able to get a ticket, but Odenkirk took the time to visit with those who waitlisted. Not something you see everyday from a celebrity of his caliber!

Be sure to catch its theatrical release on April 17!!

While we are living through tumultuous times as a country, groups like Home Sweet Home Ministries have cut through the noise, showing the very best of our community.

It’s exciting to see this well-deserved national coverage of The Bridge. I was proud to support this project with my vote to award grant funding last June, and it’s been great to see this come to life since its groundbreaking in January.

So many from across the state have taken notice of their approach to addressing homelessness, and rightfully so.

A shelter village provides a bridge to permanent housing Shelter villages offer temporary and private places for the unhoused to sleep and store belongings. One of the newest, The Bridge, opened recently in central Illinois.

Normal Township Voters:
The Annual Town Meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 14th at 7pm at the Activity and Recreation Center.

Voter check in will begin at 6:30 PM to verify your eligibility to participate in this meeting.

This year, there is an item on the agenda submitted via petition by voters in Normal Township to decide whether or not to put a question of public policy on the November General Election ballot for Normal Township voters only.

The question is:
"Shall the State of Illinois repeal its anti-BDS statute and permit state-funded institutions to divest from and boycott companies that profit from or enable Israel's apartheid policies and human rights violations?"

This would be a non binding resolution for the November ballot that is similar to polling public opinion.

If this interests you one way or another, please attend the Township meeting to vote yes or no on this item.

My comments + interview clip on the $400,000 budget overage at the County Clerk’s office ⬇️:

https://www.25newsnow.com/2026/03/20/major-mess-up-mclean-county-board-member-reacts-county-clerk-overspending/

Sharin’ the green but voting blue with the McLean County Democrats!

📸: Merlin Mather

Early voted yesterday before Property Committee! Make sure to cast your ballot on or before March 17 in the Illinois primary.

While the Government Center is a universal polling place for non-Bloomington residents, the Bone Student Center will also be an early voting location on March 11-13, and 16-17.

While this is during much of ISU’s spring break, I encourage students remaining on campus to vote early. The Bone will also be a universal polling place on the day of the election.

Primaries matter. Your voice matters. Get out and vote! 🗳️

https://news.illinoisstate.edu/2026/03/vote-in-the-march-17-primary-election/

I want to extend a huge THANK YOU to the College Democrats at Illinois State University for allowing me to be a guest speaker at their meeting tonight. I was able to advocate for my choice for U.S. Senate, Juliana Stratton, and help encourage students to register to vote here in Normal and McLean County.

Stratton has presented herself as the true progressive in this race, and I couldn’t be prouder to give her my endorsement. She’s the only candidate out of the major three to advocate for Medicare for All, the abolition of ICE, and to refuse corporate PAC money.

I would also like to encourage everyone to attend her meet and greet this Saturday at 4 p.m., where I will also be expressing my support for her to local residents (details for event in comments ⬇️).