Brian Bangert presents for McLean County Board District 3 vacancy; committee hears questions but takes no vote

Brian Bangert, an applicant for the McLean County Board District 3 vacancy, presented his qualifications to the McLean County Executive Committee on Aug. 11 and answered committee questions about agritourism, health policy interests and local board support. The committee did not take an appointment vote at the meeting and told Bangert they would notify him soon.

Bangert said he has lived in McLean County for more than 32 years, operates Funk Farms and has served 10 years on the McLean County Zoning Board of Appeals. “I respectfully ask that you consider me for the open position on the County Board,” he told the committee during his five-minute presentation.

The committee’s questions focused on how Bangert’s agritourism work would translate to county service and what he would do on committee assignments he expects to fill. Member Layman asked how his experience opening agritourism at Funk Farms might translate to county services; Bangert said he would focus on “food sovereignty” and connecting residents to local food producers. Member Klein noted Bangert likely would sit on the property and health committees and asked how he would prepare; Bangert said he intended to “do deep dives” and seek coaching to learn those subject areas. Member Friedrich asked whether Bangert’s private-board had discussed potential political involvement; Bangert said he had presented the opportunity to his board at their recent meeting and received their support. Vice Chair Gil asked whether Bangert planned to run for election after any interim appointment; Bangert answered yes.

Bangert also described his farm’s agritourism programming, the retail store he helped add and inviting other local vendors to the farm as part of community outreach. Committee members thanked him for the presentation and asked no further questions. Chair Johnston said the committee would notify applicants of the committee’s decision.

No motion to appoint was recorded at the Executive Committee meeting; the item on the agenda was a presentation of candidates. The transcript shows the committee moved on to other agenda items after questions and a short closing remark from Bangert.

Meeting context: Bangert’s presentation occurred within the Departmental Matters portion of the Aug. 11 Executive Committee meeting. The full board will consider vacancies and appointments under the county’s standard appointment procedures, and no formal county-board action on this vacancy was taken at this session.