By Howard Packowitz
BLOOMINGTON – Bloomington Mayor Tari Renner’s controversial remarks that Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas does not act like an African-American overshadow other statements Renner made at the same open house about Connect Transit board representation.
Renner spent about 90 minutes taking questions, including from members of the group Citizens to Ensure Fair Transit. They’re demanding the transit board become a more diverse body and include regular bus riders.
Renner wants Planning Commissioner Justin Boyd and former City Council member Amelia Buragas to fill upcoming transit board vacancies, but as a compromise, he’s open to the idea of expanding the number of board members.
It’s not a “zero-sum game” where there are winners and losers, according to Renner.
The mayor said he has to balance diversity concerns with the ability to complete key projects, including a downtown transfer station.
“We need to have our people, my city manager, myself, other people who understand our comprehensive plan, and who understand how to make certain things happen. Not everybody can do that,” said Renner.
Normal Mayor Chris Koos finds himself defending the town’s transit board representatation even as the board recently voted to eliminate a bus route in the community.
On his Facebook page, Koos praised Normal’s representatives Mike McCurdy and Julie Hile for making Connect Transit an “efficient, inclusive, and fiscally responsible” transportation system.
A third board seat representing Normal remains vacant. Former and future mayoral candidate Marc Tiritilli said he wants Koos to appoint him to the transit system post.
Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]
