Ward four candidates differ on hotel

The two candidates vying for Bloomington's fourth ward have different feelings on using public money for a downtown hotel. (WJBC file photo)

By Terry James

BLOOMINGTON – One of the main contentions between Bloomington ward four candidates Amelia Buragas and Jeremy Kelley is over the use of public money for a downtown hotel.  Buragas says economic development downtown and improving infrastructure are both important issues.

"I don't see this one as an either or," said Buragas.  "I see these as two different functions of city government."

Jeremy Kelley feels differently.

"Everybody wants everything and no taxes to pay for it," said Kelley. "The fiscal reality is budgeting is a process where you have to identify your priorities, put your needs first, and get to the wants."

Buragas did point out that the city should not spend money it doesn't have.

Terry James can be reached at [email protected].

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