By Adam Studzinski

BLOOMINGTON – Elected officials from Bloomington, Normal and McLean County spoke in Downtown Bloomington Tuesday, expressing their desire to remain unified while working to improve the community.

Bloomington Alderman Scott Black organized the event. He said after such a hostile election cycle, and after seeing the protests which followed, it’s important to show the community they stand together.

“I’ve gotten a sense of hopelessness that’s out there. People feel like their voices aren’t being heard. They feel like they can’t see any change effectuated,” said Black. “I want to show this community that our community leaders, regardless of our political persuasion, regardless of where we stand on the issues, are committed to making our community a better place.”

Black added this community should be a model for the rest of the nation.

“We have a strong track record in McLean County of working together,” said Black. “We’ve seen our local elected office holders in the sheriff’s office, auditor, township, all across the board work together to solve our community problems.”

Bloomington Mayor Tari Renner, and the other eight officials who spoke, agreed with Black. Renner added this is a diverse community and everyone needs to embrace that fact.

“That’s what’s made America great,” said Renner. “So at this point, especially given the most divisive national election, probably, we have ever had, we need to embrace each other and make progress just as we’ve done in the past.”

Normal Mayor Chris Koos said while he might not always agree with the opinions of other elected officials, he never lets that stand in the way of working for the common good of the community.

Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].