By:  Diane Benjamin

Alderwoman Stearns announced this morning on Cities 92.9 that she will not be seeking a 3rd term on the Council.  The taxpayers of Bloomington will be losing their biggest advocate.  I occasionally hear “Judy just votes NO to everything”.  That’s not true, but she does oppose spending your money on Wants instead of Needs.  She also opposes raising your taxes.

Mayor Renner and the other 7 potted plants are probably thrilled.  They just want to get along, and that means working for Renner and City Manager David Hales instead of you.  Stearns was vilified for asking questions!

City elections next year will now be even more critical.  5 people on the Council that believe they represent you can shut down the Renner agenda.  Not voting for good people in April means you soon won’t be able to afford to live in Bloomington!

Here is the Press Release Judy Stearns issued today:

I announce today that I will not seek a 3rd term on the Bloomington City Council.  My deepest thanks to the people of Ward 4 for twice electing me to represent them on the City Council.  I want to thank all of the people of Bloomington for your kindness, patience, and understanding, but most of all for sharing your hopes and ideas for a bright future for the city we love.I look forward to being a politically active citizen and an advocate for an affordable Bloomington reflecting the values of the hardworking taxpayers who fund city government.   And may they step forward to attend or stream city council meetings, which is the only way to truly understand city government and to hold it accountable to the citizens.

I leave confident and pleased that there will be a candidate entering the race who will be an independent voice for Ward 4.