by:  Diane Benjamin

The 3 stooges (previously used to describe City leadership) isn’t enough people.  Therefore the non-numerical term “Clowns” will now be used.

“Lighting the Evergreen Tree in Withers Park” :

It’s a CHRISTMAS TREE City of Bloomington!  Okay, it’s really the Downtown Bloomington Association doing this, but they get most of their money from the City.  Why would anybody light an Evergreen?  Why is it offensive to say CHRISTMAS?  Sorry clowns, but Santa isn’t coming down your chimneys this year!  Your political correctness is offensive to people who celebrate Christmas (most people) whether they are Christian or not!  Maybe you don’t want people shopping for CHRISTMAS either, should they shop for Evergreen?  Does anybody know an Evergreen song?  They are planning carols, it might be a short sing-a-long since CHRISTMAS is banned.

The next clown:  Renner still wants an expansion of the library.  Tari claims to be progressive, whatever that means.  He never says what he is making progress to.  Nationally it appears to be Marxism, you can decide if that applies locally.  The library issued their annual report:  http://www.cityblm.org/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=7650  It says next to nothing – especially how visitors have declined for at least the last 3 years.  It does say E-Books rentals are on the rise.  Obviously digital is the future.  Some libraries have gone totally digital.  Renner wants to BUILD!  For what mayor?  To stop progress?  How many millions are you planning to spend?  How many E-Readers could you buy instead to rent since demand for E-books is growing and library visitors are down?  It wouldn’t even take millions Tari, so maybe you just like debt?  Why are you building the past?  I thought you wanted to be progressive.

Now for the Brady $750,000 grant.  At the November 10th Council meeting everybody agreed the money could only be used for McGraw Park.  See previous posts and video.  Alderman Fruin stated Bill Brady only provided the grant for McGraw Park/Central Catholic and not for any other purpose.

2 weeks later Mayor Renner was already plotting how to spend the money since it was obvious the potted plants has been hammered by taxpayers.  They couldn’t run away from the park/CCHS deal fast enough.  Renner said he had been on the phone with Springfield and had clearance to spend it on parks or trails.  His arrogance in declaring the money his led to a hold being put on the money by the GOP Senate Caucus.  Renner tried to bypass Brady, and Brady hit back.  All sides look completely ridiculous.  Renner plans on spending the money he doesn’t have and Brady was exposed as funneling money through the City for his alma mater.

The discussion was always “this has been in the works for 2 years”.  Now it’s up to 5.  Cue Jesse Smart to take control for Brady.  Renner then pulls the citizen card, like taxpayers are dying for money from the bankrupt state.  Renner proclaims that once again Springfield is telling local people what to do.  Quit taking their money Tari and strings won’t come attached!

The $750,000 grant is turning into a great cat-fight.  I think all involved should put on their clown suits and get in a boxing ring.  Since the Coliseum needs events, hold it there.  Sell tickets.  Maybe it will help CIAM not bleed taxpayer money quite as bad.  How about a tag team event:  Citizens against the City?  I bet the place would sell out.

Meanwhile, Illinois is now #1 – The Worst Run State In The Nation:  http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2014/12/illinois-ranked-worst-run-state-in-the-nation.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+typepad%2FbYHz+%28Illinois+Review%29

It’s pretty easy to see why.

.

.

.