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Bloomington mayoral candidates

Ask questions of the three candidates for Bloomington mayor.

3rd & 7 37yd

Well, Mark. First of all the campaign doesn't seem to be winding down, but there is just one week left. From the feedback I get, taxes and roads are on almost everybody's mind. Taxes are too high and roads need repair.

by Lex Green 4/2/2013 3:04:37 PM
As I have spent time walking door-to-door and attending meet and greets all across our community what has become clear to me is that residents top concerns are growing the local economy and improving our streets and infrastructure. And a another concern I continue to hear from residents is improving communication and opening up city hall.

by Tari Renner 4/2/2013 3:04:38 PM
I don't think anyone will deny the streets are in bad shape. Do you think the current administration has an effective plan in place to address the problem?

by mpickering 4/2/2013 3:06:30 PM
Good morning, gentlemen.

by Jose 4/2/2013 3:06:48 PM
I agree that infrastructure is a big issue, but there seems to be disagreement about how to fund necessary repairs in this "economy".

by Jose 4/2/2013 3:07:00 PM
We certainly have a plan, and it is very expensive. But it is the first job that people think that the city needs to attend to. I like the "back to basics" approach that everyone seems to be talking about. But we do need to address options beyond just which street will be fixed first. I applaud city manager Hales for putting a plan in place. We need to move forward on it.

by Lex Green 4/2/2013 3:07:50 PM
The plan that is currently in place does a good job of grading the condition of our streets, which are clearly in bad shape. I believe we need to put a plan in place that sets time tables that spells out when we will achieve specific goals.

by Tari Renner 4/2/2013 3:10:24 PM
Improving communication would be great! For instance, where might residents read about this plan, Mr. Green?

by Jose 4/2/2013 3:11:04 PM
First of all, we have a $170 million budget. We first need to prioritize our spending, department by department, and address efficiency. If we can pad our general fund and get a $13 million reserve, we can find the money for the roads. We also need to make sure we are getting the most effective use of our current employees, many of whom can work on our infrastructure needs
.

by Lex Green 4/2/2013 3:11:47 PM
Why not make Downtown Bloomington more of an Entertainment Hub instead of trying to curtail the activity?

by Dan Kohlenberg 4/2/2013 3:12:15 PM
I get all of my information on the Bloomington web site. I also find that most city employees and department heads have willingly shared with me any information I ask for. But since most employees do not talk with city employees, as mayor I will reach out to the community to help educate them.

by Lex Green 4/2/2013 3:13:58 PM
Tari and Lex, I didn't want you to miss the question by Dan on downtown.

by mpickering 4/2/2013 3:15:07 PM
Transparency in government is a concern, In fact, we see that the Illinois Policy Institute gave the City of Bloomington a D rating. If elected mayor, would you sign their Transparency Pledge?

by Jeff 4/2/2013 3:15:48 PM
Dan, it is not my intention to curtail activity. It is only my intention to make sure that those who use and benefit from downtown entertainment subsidize it with their own spending, and those who don't or can't are not asked to subsidize someone else's entertainment. I am also concerned that public safety and the rights of downtown business owners and residents are respected.

by Lex Green 4/2/2013 3:15:53 PM
Dan, while part of Downtown is an entertainment hub, in order for the downtown to thrive we need to diversify the types of businesses we have in the district. The downtown is more than just entertainment, for example we have many residents living downtown, offices, and retail shops.

by Tari Renner 4/2/2013 3:16:25 PM
I agree with Tari, although I think the people who live, work and shop downtown, and the entrepreneurs who invest there should define what businesses should go there, not city planners.

by Lex Green 4/2/2013 3:18:03 PM
Hi Jeff, I agree that transparency in government is critical. I have stressed this point from the very beginning of the campaign and I will work to get the City an "A". Specifically, I have proposed having a Mayoral open houses every Friday before each City Council meeting. Residents would not need an appointment to meet with me, they can just stop by and voice their concerns. Further, we should scan all public documents and make them available on the City's website.

by Tari Renner 4/2/2013 3:19:09 PM
Jeff, I will happily sign the IPI pledge. I think we need to share what we are doing with all of the citizens of Bloomington. Like Tari, I will reach out to citizens so they don't have to dig to find information. However, I don't think another meeting is the way to reach them. I think we need to take it to them. Although I am reluctant to grow our payroll, I support the inclusion of a Communication person who will make the web site easier and more informative.

by Lex Green 4/2/2013 3:21:30 PM
Mr. Green, do you support the idea, then, that city planners should maybe be some sort of enforcement arm of the city, rather than have any input about local businesses?

by Jose 4/2/2013 3:23:50 PM
To point out something on Val's question: The $12,000 is to cover the entire search process for a new chief that could take 6 months.

by mpickering 4/2/2013 3:50:06 PM
It is a waste of money. We should be working within the ranks of our own force to fill that position. No one knows our city or our policing needs like the people we have on the job. I wish that Clay were able stay on the job, because he was doing fine.

by Lex Green 4/2/2013 3:50:20 PM
I am really sorry to have to go, but I have an appointment that forces me to log out of the forum early. I want to thank the Pantagraph for hosting this excellent forum. I want to thank everyone for participating. It is people like you who care and get involved that make our city such a great place to live, work, and play. I hope you will consider voting for me on election day. If I can answer any additional questions please contact me directly by email: rennerformayor@gmail.com.

by Tari Renner 4/2/2013 3:50:29 PM
Jeff's question is the last one we'll be able to consider today since Tari Renner has to log out. Thanks to everyone who contributed and, as a reminder, we will be having another chat from 10-11 a.m. Wednesday involving the three candidates for Normal mayor -- incumbent Chris Koos, and challengers JeVaughn Martin and Victor Connor. So, please, join us then.

by mpickering 4/2/2013 3:53:14 PM
Bye, Tari, See you in an hour.

by Lex Green 4/2/2013 3:53:19 PM
Good luck, Mr. Renner.

by Jose 4/2/2013 3:53:21 PM
I want to thank every one for participating and thank Mark for moderating. This was fun. If anyone wants to know more about me, go to www.justvotelex.com or email me at lex@lexgreen.us

by Lex Green 4/2/2013 3:59:33 PM
It's about a minute past 11 a.m. so we're done here, everyone. Again, join in on Wednesday at 10 a.m. when the Normal mayoral candidates will be chatting. Have a great day.

by mpickering 4/2/2013 4:00:45 PM