Black Says No to a Danville Mayoral Run, Yes to a Council Campaign

Next April's race for mayor of Danville has become a bit clearer with a veteran lawmaker's decision to stay out.

State Rep. Bill Black (R-Danville) said after 24 years in the Illinois House, going back into full-time work right after he retires at the end of this year would not be a good idea at the age of 69.

"My wife and I just decided that we need to slow down a little bit, and that's what we're going to try to do," he said. "I will give everything I have to the city council if I get elected, but the stress and strain of being a mayor at this point of my life is probably not the best thing for me to do."

However, Black noted he does intend to run for Danville's city council in his home seventh ward. He said he plans to run a collegial campaign against incumbent alderman Ron Candido.

Current Danville mayor Scott Eisenhauer has not announced whether he plans to seek another term. Black said he may or may not make an endorsement in that race.