By Eric Stock

BLOOMINGTON – One of two Bloomington alderman who is running for mayor says he doesn’t like the direction the current mayor is taking the city.

Kevin Lower told WJBC’s Nick McClintock, mayor Tari Renner is trying to bring about a culture change in the city.

“I’m talking about his push to get into the new urbanism culture where we are concentrating on public transportation rather than just looking at what our basic needs are,” Lower said.

Lower is in his first term representing Ward 1. He said lowering taxes would help spur economic growth in the city.

“I’m trying to offer something in which we may be able to actually have some economic growth,” Lower said.

Lower said U.S. Cellular Coliseum and the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts should be self-sufficient though he didn’t suggest the city should stop subsidizing them.

Lower said he hopes the police department uses its new west-side community house to improve its community policing. He said while the new police substation might make some residents nervous, he believes it will be a good thing if its used effectively.

“Statistically, violent crime is down,” Lower said. “I think (police) have been working very hard at that. I think they are being productive.”

Lower is one of five candidates running in the Feb. 28 primary. The field will be reduced to two for the April 4 election.

Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].