By HOI ABC
BLOOMINGTON – It took the mayor to break a tie and confirm the appointment of Bloomington business owner De Urban to fill the Ward 6 seat formerly held by Jenn Carrillo.
The vote came after the city council heard from Carrillo herself and seven city residents opposing Urban’s appointment. They claimed Urban is the polar opposite politically from Carrillo, who was the council’s most outspoken progressive member.
Carrillo resigned because she moved to another ward.
Mayor Mboka Mwilambwe joined council members Donna Boelen, Nick Becker, Thomas Crumpler, and Sheila Montney in voting for Urban. Council members Jamie Mathy, Mollie Ward, Jeff Crabill, and Julie Emig voted no.
Speaking by phone during the public comment portion of Monday night’s meeting, Carrillo exclaimed, “Shame on you, Mayor!”
Carrillo called Urban’s appointment a “power grab” at the expense of some of the city’s poorest and “most marginalized” citizens.
Carrillo expressed “tremendous disappointment” in the selection process, and noted Mayor Mwilambwe did not seek her input during the search process.
The mayor mentioned that Urban does not intend to run for election when her term is up in 2023. Mwilambwe said he’s always found her to be very respectful, has shown humility and the ability to remain calm.
Before the vote, Urban said she’s committed to represent all Ward 6 residents, and noted that any of the applicants would be hard-pressed to fill Carrillo’s shoes.
Ward 6 includes parts of Downtown Bloomington and the city’s west side.
