Learning about Bloomington Ward 9 Candidates: Jim Fruin

NORMAL, Ill. – A previous alderman that served almost two decades is now seeking re-election for Bloomington Ward 9.  

Jim Fruin is a real estate agent and a retired State Farm employee. Fruin explains how his experience has led him to seek re-election.  

“The primary reason is that others have encouraged me to, in the last election cycle. Due to this election cycle, we will lose a lot of experience. And so, others have asked me to return again. I served eight years in Ward 3 and ten years in Ward 9,” said Fruin. “Because we’re gonna lose experience a lot of people thought that I should return and bring that institutional knowledge and experience to bring some stability to the council.” 

Some of the issues Fruin plans to focus on includes finances and rebuilding trust with the community.  

“The other part is I think we just need to rebuild the trust as a community. I think they’ve lost trust in it the government as a whole national, state and local,” said Fruin. “Rebuilding that trust and also becoming more inclusive, diversify ourselves the best we can and become a more a welcoming city to everyone.” 

He says the primary issue he will focus on is the impact and challenges caused by the pandemic.

“We also have some challenges with the State of Illinois, which continues to funnel less money to municipalities and continues to mandate more requirements on cities,” said Fruin. 

Fruin says his years of experience make him stand out as a candidate for Ward 9. He recalls his experience in healthcare and human resources in State Farm and nine years as Coldwell Banker. Additionally, serving a total of 18 years on the City Council and volunteering in local hospitals.  

He currently serves on the McLean County Regional Planning Commission and on the Public Building Commission. Fruin also served on the Economic Development Council and the Bloomington Normal Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.  

He also served in a variety of leadership positions with Corpus Christi Elementary, Central Catholic and Illinois State University, his alma mater.  

“I am very involved in the community and I think that was probably what distinguishes me the most from my opponent,” said Fruin.  

Fruin encourages everyone to vote in the municipal elections on April 6.  

“We have a great community. I always refer to our communities, Bloomington and Normal. But I would like residents to vote for me because I would like to return my experience and my institutional knowledge to the city to help because of this severe terrain, if you will, on experience within City Council,” said Fruin.  “So, I could address the stability very quickly.”