Five vying for Rinella's commissioner seat

MARION - The Marion City Council won't waste much time in selecting Anthony Rinella's replacement as commissioner. A special meeting has been called for Monday at city hall to consider five candidates.

Rinella said each candidate will get up to 10 minutes in closed session to convince the council why he is the best man for the job. Those who have submitted their candidacy include: Doug Patton, Monte Blue, Buddy Sellars, Jack Reed and Dennis Ball.

Patton could be the favorite after having served a four-term on the council from 2011-2015. Blue, however, has served on the school board. He is a retired Williamson County coroner and funeral home director. Patton formerly worked for the Illinois Department of Transportation. Reed is a former fire chief for Marion and currently serves as Director of Parks and Recreation for the city.

Sellars is employed by the city as a street department worker. Ball is an author who also has designs on running for mayor in 2019.

Rinella said the council will select one of the five men at Monday's meeting.