By Adam Studzinski

BLOOMINGTON – Bloomington’s mayor is standing by his latest Liquor Commission appointment, after a new group expressed their dislike for the choice.

The newly formed group called Bloomington Area Restaurant and Tavern Owners (BARTO) said in a statement this week Sue Feldkamp “lacks the requisite background, knowledge and experience” to to properly perform the duties of a liquor commissioner.

In response, Mayor Tari Renner said being on the Liquor Commission is “not rocket science.”

“You do not have to be someone who has had great formal positions, you know, in the real world to make good decision; you just need good common sense,” said Renner. “They made this decision without even knowing who Sue Feldkamp is, so I don’t know what their agenda is.

“This interest group just formed and it’s really sad that the moment that they form that they destroy their own credibility.”

Feldkamp is a receptionist at the McLean County Center for Human Resources and replaces Geoff Tompkins, who recently resigned, on the commission. Renner said Feldkamp is a quick study, and is a regular attendee of liquor commission and city council meetings.

Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].