By: Diane Benjamin
Cheer-leading for Bloomington isn’t a bad approach for an elected Mayor, but not facing facts is suicide for taxpayers. Yes, State Farm is transferring people out of Bloomington-Normal. Yes, people are leaving Illinois for better opportunities. Yes, Sales Tax Revenue is down in both Bloomington and Normal.
Yesterday’s report that Bloomington-Normal lost 1000 jobs between November 2013 and November 2014 should be a wake up call to both Cities. (http://blnnews.com/2014/12/30/no-bloomington-normal-is-not-okay/) Worse, we lead the State in the percentage of jobs lost. This gives proof to why businesses are closing. Immediate spending cuts are necessary, but will Renner realize it?
Here is where Bloomington taxpayers will pay dearly for who they elected. Obviously Mayor Renner thinks government creates economic activity. His kingdom is collapsing around him. Homes sales are down, new construction is even worse. Three new taxes were added last year, further hampering the ability of citizens to spend discretionary income. The City has added new staff and substantially increased the Administration budget. By the end of the fiscal year, around $1,000,000 in attorney fees will be shipped to either Springfield or Chicago. The only question left is: Will Renner want more spending in hopes of saving the local economy? It will only create more debt and take more of your money, but Renner has not proved he believes in anything but “government is the answer”.
At the last Council meeting Renner claimed 1000 people move to Bloomington every year. He quoted statistics from the US Census Bureau. The census is only taken every 10 years, so relying on their numbers is a hazard at best. Besides, those of us “on the ground” know people who have left. Reality is always more accurate than a government agency. A leader, not governing by his own agenda, would be holding emergency strategy sessions with the Council and community leaders from all sides. Renner is doing 2 surveys instead.
The only way to stop him is to change the Council. Get ready to VOTE: Ward 4 in February, the whole City in April.
Alderwoman Stearns is discussing the budget – start at 1:22. Renner’s comment is at 1:23. Does this sound like a guy running a City in trouble? Anybody surprised the Pantagraph spun the facts as “Unemployment is down”?
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I can’t wait to start w/my signs close to elections. The commies have to go!
Renner is absolutely clueless! Worst mayor ever! Worse than Judy, much worse! ! !
When there is no local press holding him accountable – this is what you get.
Anyone with any business knowledge knows that, when revenues are down, raising prices will only make them go down more quickly. Same with raising taxes. But the good professor has only lived in academia and never had to deal with a true marketplace so its no surprise he thinks raising taxes now is a good idea.