Union County resident Scott Budi addresses commissioners, says he will run for 118th

Scott Budi, a lifelong Union County resident, used the meeting's public-comment period to introduce himself as a candidate for the 118th district and to summarize his background and prior local advocacy.

Budi, who said he is 62 and has lived in the area for 62 years, told commissioners he was approached about seven weeks earlier and decided to run because “I was asked to run” and because of ties to the district. “I'm the only man that knows the 100 And Eighteenth,” he said. He described family ties in the area, saying his wife and he have been married 38 years and that he has grandchildren.

Budi named other people he said were connected to the 118th race, including Joe DuBose, described as a political consultant; Dave Lloyd, described as a retired military member; and Harold Bisser. He said one potential candidate was meeting with his campaign manager about dropping out and seeking a different office.

Budi recounted examples of prior local advocacy in which he said he participated: drafting restrictions the county used to limit certain businesses; helping organize a response to protests at military funerals; and promoting a quarter-percent sales-tax increase he said helped the sheriff’s department financially. He referenced a measure he called the “Let Them Rest and Peace Act,” and he said then-Gov. Quinn later signed a related state measure; those historical claims are reported here as his statements.

Why it matters: Budi’s remarks signal his intention to seek the 118th seat and identify other named local figures who may be involved in the race. He asked for the board’s attention during the public-comment segment; no formal action or response from the board was recorded on the campaign matter.

Budi concluded by asking for support from Union County and neighboring counties if he runs, and he thanked the commissioners for the opportunity to speak.