By Howard Packowitz
BLOOMINGTON – Bloomington Mayor Tari Renner’s name won’t be on the ballot in next spring’s municipal elections, but he plans to be heard before voters choose their aldermen in four of the city’s wards.
Renner was asked the reason for his active involvement in next year’s campaign.
“Because I’m the mayor,” Renner said.
“I need to make sure we have good council people that can pursue an agenda,” said the mayor.
Renner said it’s too early to make endorsements because candidates have not started gathering signatures to get on the ballot. When Renner does announce his choices, he intends to donate from his own campaign funds to help candidates.
Renner said few if any mayors stay out of council races.
“Any mayor who’s worth their salt and has a policy agenda has to be involved in council elections, but at this point, it’s premature,” he added.”
The only announced candidate publicly seeking a mayoral endorsement is Democratic precinct committeewoman Georgene Chissell. She’s expected to face fiscal conservative Donna Boelen for the Ward 2 seat, covering the southwest side, and currently held by retiring Alderman David Sage.
Two other progressive council hopefuls backing a contentious ‘Welcoming City’ ordinance for undocumented immigrants said they’re candidacies are not tied to Renner.
Activist Jenn Carrillo is challenging long-time Ward 6 Alderman Karen Schmidt to represent the west side.
The other progressive, State Farm attorney Jeff Crabill, wants to be the next Ward 8 alderman. Crabill expects to face current McLean County Board member Josh Barnett for the seat held now by Diana Hauman, who is not seeking reelection to represent parts of the east side.
First-term Ward 4 Alderman Amelia Buragas has yet to announce her political plans.
Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]
