Mayor pro tem expects to know soon plans for Renner’s return

Posted on September 11, 2017

Alderwoman Karen Schmidt has served as mayor pro tem during Mayor Tari Renner’s medical leave of absence (Photo courtesy City of Bloomington)

By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON – Bloomington’s mayor pro tem said she doesn’t know if she’ll lead the next city council meeting two weeks from now, but she expects to hear of Mayor Tari Renner’s plans in the next week or two.

Meantime, Karen Schmidt’s colleagues are praising her work. Alderman Jamie Mathy said Schmidt has gone beyond the call of duty in temporarily taking over for Renner, who left for a medical leave of absense in late August.

“It’s been fabulous,” said Alderman Mathy.

“It’s not what you signed up to do. It’s not what you were elected to do, and I just want to publicly say thank you, and if there’s anything you need help with, please let us know. We will help,” Mathy said.

Schmidt commended fellow aldermen and city staffers for their help. The council Monday night reaffirmed her status as mayor pro tem, a position she’s held since 2010.

Schmidt, the university librarian at Illinois Wesleyan, has represented Ward 6 on the council since 1999.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]

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