By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON – It was a great day for new beginnings, according to Bloomington Mayor Tari Renner.

The four city council members elected April 2nd were sworn into office in front of family members, friends, and supporters who packed council chambers Wednesday evening.

“We have a new team and we have lots of challenges, and a lot of hard work ahead,” said Renner.

Donna Boelen, the new alderman in Ward 2, held a Bible when she recited the oath. Boelen also hugged new Ward 6 Alderman Jenn Carrillo even though the two appear to be political opposites.

We’ve met and shared a couple of hours talking to each other,” said Boelen.

“To be honest, she reminds me of my own children. She’s got a lot of passion. I remember having a lot of passion at her age,” Boelen said.

Carrillo said she respects Boelen and thinks the two will work well together.

“I don’t think we’re as different as people want to think that we are,” said Carrillo.

“We are serving because we have the public’s best interest at heart, and we’re going to grapple with what that means and how we negotiate what that looks like,” Carrillo added.

Also taking office Wednesday were Ward 4 Alderman Julie Emig and Ward 8 Alderman Jeff Crabill.

None of the new aldermen favored reconsidering the four-cent a gallon gasoline tax increase that went into effect Wednesday, but all wanted to make sure gas tax revenue is spent on fixing streets and sidewalks.

All but Boelen favored revisiting a proposed “Welcoming City” ordinance for undocumented immigrants. Boelen said immigration is a federal issue.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]