By Sam Thomas
A small-business owner and former appointed member of the Bloomington City Council is tossing his hat in the race for Ward 1 Alderman in 2017.
Jamie Mathy, owner of Bloomington-based Kelly’s Bakery, announced his decision to run Wednesday evening at the Ozark House in Bloomington.
“I’m from Bloomington, Bloomington is where I am and Bloomington is where I intend to be,” Mathy said in front of a group of supporters Wednesday. “With your help, I will be the Alderman of Ward 1 and together we will ensure that Bloomington is a great American community for many decades to come.”
Mathy was appointed Ward 1 Alderman by former Bloomington Mayor Steve Stockton in February 2013 after former alderman Bernie Anderson stepped down.
Mathy ran a write-in candidacy in hopes of retaining his seat before losing to current Ward 1 Alderman Kevin Lower in the April 2013 election.
Mathy says he disagrees with Lower’s view on the role of government in economic development.
“There are some things I’ve agreed with Alderman Lower on and there are some things I’ve disagreed on,” Mathy said. “He does not believe the city has a role in economic development for the city of Bloomington. I disagree with him on that. I think that the city can encourage the spending of private dollars.”
As the city eyes downtown development, Mathy says it’s crucial that something get done with the Front ‘N Center Building in downtown Bloomington.
“If it’s a large hotel, great. If it’s a small hotel, great. If someone wants to buy it and turn it into nice apartments with retail on the first floor, that would be fine too. It’s just been boarded up so long that something need to happen there,” he said.
Mathy also emphasized infrastructure improvements and a long-term plan for economic growth as some of his key campaign platforms.
Mathy is the first candidate in Ward 1 to declare his intention to run in the April 4, 2017 municipal elections.
Sam Thomas can be reached at Sam@WJBC.com.
