By Adam Studzinski
BLOOMINGTON – Bloomington Mayor Tari Renner and Police Chief Brendon Heffner were among those who met with U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) Friday on issues facing the community.
Mental health care was a topic which drove much of the discussion. Durbin said he’s aware of what’s being done in McLean County to improve mental health care. He’s working to gain federal funding to support the local funds already approved.
“When it comes to mental health counseling and substance abuse treatment, we are dramatically understaffed and under resourced across the State of Illinois,” said Durbin. “We are paying a heavy price for it as well.”
Relations between police and the community at-large was also discussed. Durbin said one of the best things to do to create a better relationship with police is to make your voice heard when you have the opportunity.
“If you don’t establish and start a dialogue in the community where people can express themselves honestly and hear the other side, even if it’s a painful experience listening to another point of view, that is essential to it,” he said.
Quincy Cummings with the local NAACP was also part of the meeting. He agreed the community needs to be a partner in creating better relations with law enforcement.
Adam Studzinski can be reached at adam.studzinski@cumulus.com.
