Bernard Schoenburg
The State Journal-Register
BRAD CARLSON, a Capital Township trustee and chief of staff at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, says he’s giving “very serious consideration” to running for Springfield Ward 7 alderman in the spring.
That would pit him against Ald. JOE McMENAMIN, who said he plans to seek a third four-year term.
***
Carlson, who is married and has two children, is a Roanoke native and graduate of Illinois State University. He worked on House Republican staff, and in the secretary of state’s office and old nuclear safety department. He was 1996 campaign manager for U.S. Rep. JOHN SHIMKUS, R-Collinsville, and worked 14 years for the Sangamon County clerk’s office, where he was deputy assessor. He was also campaign manager for Circuit Judge APRIL TROEMPER’s 2016 campaign. He served on the city’s Civil Service Commission and was appointed to fill a township board vacancy before winning a full term in 2017.
Carlson said he’s gotten calls and has been talking with Republican leadership and potential donors about the aldermanic spot, and his chances of running are “better than 50-50.”
McMenamin, an attorney whose past experience includes 30 years with the Illinois Army National Guard, said that serving on the council is “often challenging,” but he looks forward to representing Ward 7 for another term.
McMenamin, 65, lost a Democratic primary race for Congress in 2008.
***
Joe McMenamin for Ward 7 