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It appears several newcomers will soon join the Bloomington City Council, while the progressive People First Coalition was shut out in its three council races.
In the closest race, based on unofficial election results posted Tuesday night, Ward 9 candidate Tom Crumpler, an Illinois State University professor, led Jim Fruin, a real estate agent and previous city council member, by 19 votes to represent Bloomington’s east side.
Bloomington City Council candidate Patrick Lawler addressed campaign supporters at an election watch party on Tuesday.
Credit Emily Bollinger / WGLT
Crumpler said the issues he focused on fiscal responsibility and improving infrastructure were well received by voters.
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Nick Becker, left, and Patrick Lawler are running for Bloomington City Council in Ward 5, representing the city s near-east side.
Whether and how the Bloomington City Council tackles some of the thorniest social justice issues in the community may hinge on the outcome of the April 6 election.
Depending on the results, up to four new city council members could be sworn in in May. Police funding and reforms, including the Welcoming City immigration ordinance, appear likely to resurface during the next four years, as well as myriad economic inclusivity issues.
Here’s a look at each contested race:
Nick Becker, a vice president for a data services firm, will face high school teacher Patrick Lawler. Ward 5 incumbent Joni Painter is not seeking re-election.
The candidates running for mayor and city council in Bloomington mostly praise what city government has done so far in providing relief to residents and
Beyond/Hello Bloomington, the city s first recreational cannabis dispensary, opened to the public Tuesday.
BLOOMINGTONÂ â As cars, trucks and snow plows swept past on nearby North Veterans Parkway, the ribbon was officially cut on Bloomington s first adult-use recreational marijuana dispensary Tuesday morning.Â
The opening comes less than a year after national cannabis retailer, cultivator and manufacturer Jushi Holdings Inc. in May opened a medical/recreational dispensary in Normal, the first in McLean County. Â
Both dispensaries operate under the Beyond/Hello brand. Medical patients can still use the Bloomington facility, but they will have to pay the notably higher recreational tax rate.Â