Bloomington native Nile Arena plans to run as an independent candidate for mayor.

The announcement comes after Monroe County Commissioner Amanda Barge suspended her campaign after an independent contractor accused her of sexual harassment. She was the only challenger facing off against incumbent John Hamilton in the Democratic primary.

Arena says he decided to run when he learned the mayoral race could be uncontested, despite being inexperienced in politics.

"I am a political novice. But I am not a novice at being a citizen and especially not a citizen, an engaged citizen of Bloomington, Indiana," he says.

Arena spent his childhood moving between Bloomington and Ohio. He left Bloomington for a time, living in Chicago, Philadelphia and Brooklyn before coming back to Indiana.

He now works for both Indiana University and Community Access Television.

"I love Bloomington, I love what it is, I also love what I think it could be," Arena says.

Before he can officially enter the race, Arena has until July 15 to get 500 signatures and complete the required paperwork.

The primary election is in May, with the general election following in November.