Scott Preston

📣 Why I’m Voting NO on the Uptown Underpass

Tonight, I’ll be voting No on the Underpass, and call on my council colleagues to do the same. Here’s why:

1- High cost for local taxpayers. Cost is now $40M, with the Town’s share jumping from $2.9M to $14.9M - a $12M, $500% increase.

2- Requires 2 Tax Hikes. That $12M gap means $12M of new debt for your town, and long term increases to both Food & Beverage and Hotel-Motel Taxes to pay it off. Especially in this time when so many people continue to battle this affordability crisis (only exacerbated by a federal govt shutdown), raising taxes for this is the WRONG answer.

3- What’s the Need? This project is entirely optional. There’s nothing requiring the Town to build any pedestrian rail crossing at Uptown Station. We already have 2 at-grade crossings within a block, and the Town’s own estimate shows the underpass would save Amtrak riders just 46 SECONDS in travel time 😑. Regarding safety, there have been 2 pedestrian-train injuries at this location in the last 20 years (2023 and 2005). Safety matters, but this is not a high-incident site.

4- Quality of life. Something often missed in this discussion, the current plaza between Uptown Station and CDM is great - it’s open, inviting, and more usable. It’s not a problem we’re trying to fix, it’s an asset we’d be destroying. Nothing stopping the Town from still creating a new vibrant, unique park space on the south side bordering tracks. Could add in public art, a stage for events, natural playground, place for food trucks, whatever. Plenty of options. As I see it, the underpass actually limits future placemaking and reduces usable community gathering space there.

5- Economic development. There’s no hard data to support claims the underpass will be the catalyst for new development in Uptown South. Developers I’ve spoken with say it’s a “nice to have,” but not a deciding factor in whether they invest south of the tracks. If a developer or employer sees the underpass as their difference-maker to building there, I’d welcome their public announcement …seriously. Until then, $12M could have much more impact on economic development if not spent to create THE UNDERPASS TO NOWHERE.

6- Rushed and risky. Finally, federal grant rules require substantial completion by Sept. 2027 (no exceptions), forcing a very tight timeline as-is, which is risky and a major reason for the project cost exploding.

If you’ve made it this far, thanks for reading 👊. Normal should kill this project. At the very least, let’s pause, reassess with some common sense this time, and provide more open public conversation before committing the people of Normal to a $40M project with 2 tax hikes and unclear need / benefit.

As always, I welcome your thoughts and feedback. 🇺🇸

Great service NPD!

🚓💙 One crash, one creative solution, and two officers who made Normal IL feel like home!!

Yesterday, Officers Larimore and Evans responded to assist some out-of-state travelers whose road trip took an unexpected detour — right into a vehicle accident that left their car severely damaged. Thankfully, everyone was okay, but their plans? Not so much.

With no rental cars available late in the evening and their cargo stranded roadside, our officers did what any good hosts would do: they got creative.

Enter the Normal Fire Department, who showed they’re not just lifesavers — they’re expert cargo handlers too. Together, they helped load the travelers’ belongings onto the back of a squad car (yep, you read that right), and Officers Larimore and Evans personally gave the group a lift to a local hotel.

Because in Normal, we don’t just protect and serve — we haul luggage, give rides, and do it all with a smile.

Wishing our new friends safe travels from here on out — and we hope your brief stop in Normal left a lasting impression! 🚔

Normal Fire Department (Normal, IL)

Excited to serve the people of Normal for another 4 years, and for my kids to start seeing the process. Thanks Normal

Sweet Corn Circus in Uptown Normal today. Jack approves 🌽✅

Thankful for all who gave their all. Happy Memorial Day

From my family to yours, Merry Christmas! Looking forward to the many memories we’ll make with Jack this year.

300 days ago, Ali and I made the decision sitting at our kitchen table that I’d run for state rep. We knew then the odds were not in our favor in this new Dem-leaning district. And we knew we’d be considerably outspent (3-to-1). But Team Preston took to the streets, and knocked more doors engaging with more voters in person than any other legislative race in the entire state this cycle (either party). From Bloomington to Bartonville, and everywhere in between, I’m so proud of the positive, substantive campaign we ran. All was left on the field.

Campaigns are about people, and real issues that impact daily life. The unique opportunity I’ve had this year to meet and engage with so many of you around Central IL has been inspiring, and I’m better for it. To the hundreds of you who gave your time, talents, and investment into our race- Thank You. This was your campaign as much as it was mine, I’m honored to have been your candidate. To the 49% of you 91st voters who entrusted me with your vote- Thank You. I am grateful for your support and confidence. And to those of you who live in Normal, I’ll continue fighting for you on Council from here.

Most importantly, I am beyond thankful for my wife Ali. Politics is a family diagnosis. Ali has been my better half (< understatement) for nearly 7 years, my biggest supporter, and the best life partner I could ask for (not to mention the best mama to baby Jack 🙂). I look forward to spending more time with her and Jack, celebrating all of his “firsts” as we head into the holidays, and continuing to serve our community however we can.

What appears to be one of the tightest swing races in IL, and among the most expensive, is now behind us. I called Sharon Chung last night and congratulated her on a hard-fought win, wishing her the best in the state house.

We have so much to be proud of. THANK YOU for all your support. Onward! 🇺🇸

“Go daddy!”

Jack wants to remind everyone to vote today! Polls are open until 7pm ✅

I joke that it was Ali’s dream to have a newborn in the middle of a competitive campaign cycle. But all jokes aside, I wouldn’t be running if I didn’t have her unwavering support. And becoming a dad has given me even more purpose to why I’m running - to make a better, safer state for his generation. Let’s make that a reality at the polls tomorrow. Vote Scott Preston for state rep!

"Scott is an excellent candidate for State Rep! His opponent has been filling your mailboxes and television screens with negative and misleading ads of Scott, but these are not an accurate portrayal of who I know Scott to be. Scott is thoughtful, measured in his decision making, and someone who routinely looks at issues from all angles. Above all, Scott is my friend and I know he has the character needed to be our State Representative!" -Kathleen Lorenz

Proud to be endorsed by the Chicago Tribune! The momentum keeps building - let’s get that W on Tuesday!