Learning about Bloomington’s Ward 7 Primary Candidates: Daniel Freburg

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – An Illinois State University graduate students and longtime member of the community is running in the primary for Bloomington Ward Seven.  

Municipal elections are on April 6th and there’s a Bloomington primary on February 23rd.  

There are five candidates running to represent Ward Seven. Candidates include incumbent Mollie Ward, June Peterson-Middlebrooks, Correta L. Jackson, Kelby Cumpston and Daniel Freburg. 

Freburg is a graduate student in the information systems graduate program at ISU and has been a resident of McLean County for about 40 years. He decided to run after seeing the previous Ward Seven Alderman, Scott Black step down from his seat.  

“About two years ago I was appointed by Bloomington Mayor, Tari Renner to the Citizens Beautification Committee. I enjoyed my work on that a lot, but it wasn’t enough. I wanted to chance to do more and work more with local government,” said Freburg. 

The Citizens’ Beautification Committee serves as an advisory body to the Mayor, City Council, City Manager, and other city officials in developing plans for projects involving City beautification.  

During his time on the committee they sponsored different murals projects, planted trees with different elementary classes, and host the annual competition for outdoor landscaping with local businesses and residents. 

He has also served on the steering committee for the Central Illinois American Civil Liberties Union. During his time there he was a part of the coalition that created the ordinance for the Public Safety and Community Relations board.   

Freburg says he’s attended the Bloomington and Normal city and town council meetings for the last 10-15 years.  

“I decided I wanted to go from spectator to participate,” said Freburg.  

Some of the issues Freburg is focusing on during his campaign for Ward 7 is improving roads in the city.

“The very first [issue] is making sure our roads get improved. That’s a city-wide problem but particularly in Ward 7,” said Freburg. “Our city is better than the roads are right now. I’d like to do whatever I can to get that improved.  

When looking at the primary ballot, Freburg recalls on his experiences working with City Council members and Mayor will make him stand out. 

“I think my experience and education makes me the top qualified candidate,” said Freburg.  

Freburg says he just wants to be a voice for local residents and businesses in Ward 7 to ensure they are not overlooked.