By:  Diane Benjamin

The citizens of Bloomington were shown last night that local politics is NOT non-partisan.  The heavy hand of government crushed the people and businesses.

Only extremists are too blind to see the national economy booming when that hand was removed in 2016.  Unemployment is at historic lows, wages are rising, more people have jobs, and consumer confidence is at a 17 year high.

None of the above applies to Bloomington, Illinois isn’t benefiting much either.  Both have one thing in common – they are run by people who think they are smarter than you and therefore they need to run your life!

The Community Development Director, Bob Mahart, made that point last night right before a variety of fees were increased. It’s not about doing essential services that limited government must do for citizens, it’s about NEED of departments.  At 2:26 and following, Mahrt mentions a Fee Study ($66,924 in 2015  Fee Study cost).  Nothing was ever done with that consultant report.  Open window – toss money out.

Mahrt gets to this slide a few minutes later:

Departments need more money!  Note it isn’t just about inflation, it’s about growing the size and scope of government.  There is no end to what departments think will make Bloomington great if they can just control this one last piece.  The last piece never comes or they would be out of jobs!

Various fees were increased and every business has to register with the City.  Registration is for their benefit – not yours.  Even home based businesses have to register.  The Economic Development Council will be given access to the list.  It won’t be long before the junk mail begins to flow, anybody really think that data won’t be sold – of course for your benefit?

The boot also came down on the dock owners at Lake Bloomington.  The Council praised the staff for all their hard work, residents at the Lake were appalled that a few “problem” docks resulted in massive fee increases and more bureaucracy.  The Council didn’t care about those property owners because they don’t vote.  Attorney Jeff Jurgens claims the City isn’t going to start tearing down docks, nobody mentioned they already have:

The government closest to you is always the first one to destroy you.  The Bloomington Council proved last night your money isn’t really yours, they need it more than you do.  There is no end to how much they NEED.

Just hit play below to hear Bob Mahrt.  Public comment had quite a few speakers including former alderman Kevin Huette.  All of the speakers were ignored including Sue Feldkamp who opposed the Liquor License for Game Time Gym.  After brief discussion, Game Time got it anyway, probably gaming machines will be in the future too.

Public Comment starts at 29:01.  Bloomington will never recover from the tyranny exhibited last night.  Pack up the UHaul before your house is worth even less.  Essential services only aren’t on the radar of anyone who supposedly represents you.  One more story on last night next!

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