By: Diane Benjamin
You can listen to the debate last night at this link. Watch who reads their answers and who answers from convictions. The questions asked were what can be expected from a public radio station.
https://www.wglt.org/post/bloomington-mayoral-candidates-tackle-covid-police-reform-welcoming-cities
One thing was clear: Jackie Gunderson is a social justice warrior and big government fan. If you want four years of wealth redistribution and LBGTQ issues, she’s your candidate. She wants to spread public housing around the community. If you aren’t aware of that playbook, the scheme was started under Obama because it isn’t fair you live in a safe part of town in a nice house while public housing isn’t available next door to you.
Voters would learn much more about the candidates from long form interviews with Steve Suess: https://blnnews.com/2021/02/28/the-best-source-for-candidate-information/
Gunderson has refused to appear, last I heard Straza hadn’t responded to Steve’s request. I believe Mwilambwe will be on Saturday.
In 2019 only 4,750 out of 50,417 registered voters bothered to show up in Bloomington. This election included other offices besides Council. School Board, Heartland, and Township offices were also elected. Less than 10% cared. Wondering why your kids aren’t in school? That is why. https://results.enr.clarityelections.com/IL/Bloomington/95372/Web02.226438/#/
Renner was reelected in 2017. There were 49,849 registered voters. Renner was picked by just 6,068. Only 10,812 bothered to vote – less than 22%. https://results.enr.clarityelections.com/IL/Bloomington/66841/185906/en/summary.html
Since the voters don’t bother to inform themselves and show up on election day, the worst candidates have no problem winning.
April 6th you need to do better.
One point about the words “on the basis of equity”, “welcoming cities”, “systemic racism” used in the debate.
Apparently, it’s more important to say the words than talk about the specifics and details in our community.
What do they mean, specifically? Where is it specifically? Who’s doing or not doing it specifically? What are you going to do about it, specifically?
However, do not use the terms – “everybody knows…” or on the other hand “because I’m white I don’t know…”
If all you have to do to get elected is say the words, they have parrots that can talk.
A line of questioning that would have been useful. Follow-up questions would be required.
The welcoming city ordinance speaks of ending communications between local police and ICE.
1. How specifically does this communication cause problems in our community?
2. What kinds of problems, if any, could ending this kind of communication cause?
3. How might the welcoming city ordinance promote safety in our community?
4. How might the welcoming city ordinance cause less safety in our community?