Mayor's initiatives beneficial to city

Stemming from Mayor John Fernandez's State of the City address Thursday, five major initiatives for the future of Bloomington were introduced amid much protest. \nThe main themes include the education and welfare-oriented Children First program; the Safe and Civil City program to make Bloomington a more secure community; a Rebuilding Bloomington program to improve quality of neighborhoods and investment downtown; the government efficiency program, Innovation and Fiscal Responsibility; and Leading in our Changing Economy, a program geared to bring high-tech companies to Bloomington. \nThese proposals will go a long way to form the entire community into a strong and advanced city.\nFernandez's plans to focus on higher education, along with his thoughts on creating a safer, more enjoyable city atmosphere, were met with strong approval, but his other ideas and proposals have been given less than favorable reaction. This disapproval is not productive to the needs of the community.\nThe renovation of Bloomington's high-traffic areas, including this summer's Kirkwood Avenue project and the proposed $2.8 million project to widen other area roads, will help alleviate the parking and pedestrian problems plaguing the region. The expansion of the IU campus and Bloomington Transit bus services are incorporated in the Rebuilding Bloomington plan and will also allow for an easier flow of traffic, which makes for a cleaner city.\nBringing businesses to downtown Bloomington is also a major part of Mayor Fernandez's agenda, but it should not receive the criticism it does. The Changing Economy plan will only improve the appeal of the downtown area with increased shopping districts, including the $5.6 million Walnut Center parking garage and commerce center project, and increased jobs for graduating students in the high-tech business field. These job opportunities would keep alumni near the Bloomington area, which would foster a greater learning environment and more community involvement.\nThe Innovation and Fiscal Responsibility plan requires a strong devotion to the goals already set to work for the city. Fernandez has shown loyalty to the goal of continually improving the city with his attention to the downtown area and his proposed plans for a new People's Park and other greenspace areas. His move toward a more pedestrian-friendly and arts-oriented Bloomington should help subdue protesters, and it proves his views are not totally business-oriented.\nFernandez's "different" course for the future of Bloomington is worth the difficulty it could cause during renovation. The community must allow the mayor's plan to proceed because it is a step in the right direction for a more organized and appealing city.\nStaff vote: 4 - 0 - 3