Bloomington aldermen delay creation of transportation panel

Posted on May 23, 2017

 

By Howard Packowitz

A commission assigned to advise Bloomington’s city government on transportation issues hit a roadblock Monday night amid confusion about the panel’s responsibilities.

Council member and former mayoral candidate Diana Hauman said ordinary people like her are not qualified to make recommendations on complex transportation issues.

“I’ve had several people contact me, and none have been positive about this particular commission,” Hauman said.

But Alderman Scott Black said he’s heard nothing but positive comments. Mayor Tari Renner said staff will handle complicated engineering issues…and the commission will seek public input on larger policy issues.

“You’re not making engineering decisions,” said Renner. “This is basically a move toward more open government, more participation,” the mayor said.

The city council delayed a vote until June 12th to clarify roles of the commssion and city staff.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…