Gleason: Expected Mayor Renner’s decision to not seek third term

Posted on October 28, 2020
Tim Gleason
Bloomington City Manager Tim Gleason. (WJBC file photo)

 

By Neil Doyle

BLOOMINGTON – Last week, Bloomington Mayor Tari Renner announced he would not be running for a third term. City Manager Tim Gleason weighed in on the announcement as he spoke with WJBC’s Scott Miller.

“I expected it,” said Gleason. “While he did not share with me his decision prior to last week, just in some of the conversation, I felt he was leaning that way, and I’m happy for him.”

Gleason says for those interested in running for mayor or city council, while it’s a part-time position, both are a commitment.

“Things like ribbon cuttings, outreach to our federal and state delegation, the business community. There is a lot expected of the mayor and council members,” he said.

So far, two candidates have announced bids for the mayor’s office. Municipal elections will be held April 6.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…