by: Diane Benjamin
Apparently the citizens are the only ones who don’t know! The Ireland Grove soccer complex is being forced to relocate because it is too close to the airport. Now they want you to pay for a new complex-outdoor and indoor: https://pcslsoccer.org/support-the-soccer-complex/
City officials have received numerous emails from supporters. Of course, the supporters are the only one who knew about the proposal, so obviously they are the only ones sending emails. From their website:
While a solution has been proposed and put forth, the new Soccer Complex an Community Center will not be a reality without your help. The Bloomington and Normal Councils will not approve the proposal if they feel there is not a community need for it. It is critical the voice of the soccer community be heard! The Soccer Complex and Community Center proposal will be taken to the councils in the next few months. It is imperative the council members know the need exists before the presentations are made and the votes are cast.
Helping to support the new Soccer Complex and Community Center and give our soccer players a place to play is easier than you think. A few emails, letters and/or phone calls from you and your players can make all the difference. We have put together a How Can I Help packet with four simple steps, and any contact information you might need. If you choose to send an email, a carbon to [email protected] would be appreciated.
What is not listed is the Sales Tax increase they want to fund the new complex – 1/4%.
Current Bloomington Sales Tax rate-7.75% http://www.tax-rates.org/illinois/bloomington_sales_tax
Current Normal Sales Tax rate-7.75% http://www.normal.org/FAQ.aspx?QID=162
The increase would take both cities to 8%. Time to shop elsewhere?
The people who think government is the solutions to every problem will claim this is a “Quality of Life Issue”. That is why Bloomington owns 3 golf courses (which lose money) and a Coliseum (that sucks money from the budget). That’s also why they funded the Cultural District and the BCPA.
How much “Quality of Life” can the citizens afford? Normal has raised a lot of fees and taxes to pay for Uptown. Bloomington loses money on all their projects. The citizens that don’t use any of these amenities pay the bills for those who do use them.
When is it time for the private sector to pay for what they want? It is so much easier to get government to pay than to raise the money themselves or charge the people actually using the facilities.
Yes, it is tragic that so much money has been invested in the property by the airport. It is tragic that federal regulators are deciding what is best of our area instead of local government – but that is what the country voted for. It is tragic that a minimal threat of accident can force kids to not have a place to play soccer. Before the complex was built, games were played around town at various schools. Somehow it worked. It can’t again?
Since the people wanting more government spending are being asked to contact both City Councils, your voice should also be heard:
Contact the Bloomington Council:
Contact Normal Council and Manager:
About 100 kids in MY neighborhood want to learn to water ski. I demand that we build a lake, bigger than Lake Bloomington right in the middle of downtown. Imagine the condos filling up with people loving to be around the water. Downtown would be the center hub of activity once again! The business, ooh look at all the tax revenue. We’re rich! AND all over town there are about 250 kids that want to be surfers. Maybe the rubber stampers will build us an ocean too! By gawd if the soccer kids get there new field, why not my neighborhood kids?
Reblogged this on BLNNews and commented:
Remember this post? the Pantagraph finally decided it was safe to inform citizens today. Yes they are serious about a tax increase! Quality of life stuff – government’s job is to entertain you!
Hey Mayor Renner! We don’t need no stinkin’ referendum. We just need your campaign call for transparency to end the (“mental masturbation”) back room deals and bring the truth out into the open,,,today! Yes mayor you can do it,,,TODAY! Just lay the “truth” out there for the people to see. Maybe then you will be able to admit it to yourself and back off. Let’s see, $32 mil for soccer field center, $30-$40-$50 mil for hotel, is just the beginning of your legacy insane spending spree! My goodness Mr. political science professor, it’s obvious why you did not choose business or economics as your field of teaching. Understanding same was too much of a challenge.