By Adam Studzinski

BLOOMINGTON – Bloomington’s current mayor points to his experience in local government as something that puts him ahead of the other four candidates seeking the office.

Tari Renner added there is unfinished business for the city as he seeks a second term. He has previously has served on the McLean County Board and said his experience in the last nearly four years has taught him a lot.

“You are under the gun 24-7. Maybe not quite as much as the governor, but definitely 24-7,” said Renner. “You also learn a lot about yourself, and have to be self reflective, and realize mistakes that you’ve made.”

Renner’s first campaign for mayor focused on creating more transparency. He told WJBC’s Adam Studzinski he believed they’ve mainly achieved that. The biggest challenge in front of them at this time, he said, is streets and infrastructure, and continuing to grow the economy.

“Focusing on underperforming areas, historic Bloomington, including downtown,” said Renner. “And continuing to get a larger and larger share of Route 66 Visitors Center traffic.”

A primary election Feb. 28 will trim the field of five candidates down to two.

Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].