Councilwoman hopes to reduce violence, poverty

Every city can be improved. If it were up to Susan Sandberg, it would mean vigorous social programs and an elaborate arts scene.\nSandberg, a southern Indiana native, is the only woman on the Bloomington City Council She started serving in January after being appointed to take over for Chris Gaal, the newly elected prosecutor for Monroe County. She will serve out the remainder of his term through 2007.\nAs program coordinator for the Arts Administration in the School of Public and Environmental Affairs, she is also sympathetic to students. She said she is more passionate about "soft" political issues, such as domestic violence and poverty, but after serving on the Utilities Service Board for a year she is more knowledgeable about the mechanical aspects of the city. A self-declared Democrat, she said she believes "progressive" ideals are what make Bloomington great.\n"A good city council is one that listens," Sandberg said. "Once put on City Council, you must put partisanship behind you to do what's best for the city of Bloomington." \nShe manages these strategies in a series of "balancing acts" that extend beyond her role for the city. For example, Sandberg must work for IU, a job she loves, as well as for the City Council, as the city position is only part time. \nThe City Council consists of nine members, six of whom represent one of the six voting districts that divide Bloomington, and three of whom serve the community "at large." Sandberg is an "at-large" member, meaning she represents the entire city instead of one of the districts.\nAs a member, she attends different meetings held to discuss current issues. These meetings, which include a weekly Wednesday meeting open to the public, are used to discuss propositions introduced from Mayor Mark Kruzan, or ideas that the council itself creates. Laws that the council has produced and passed include the public smoking ban and the living wage law.\nWith her Democratic background, Sandberg said Democrats relate more to issues such as reducing violence, social issues and helping the poor.\n"Democrats are more sensitive to women's issues," she said.\nSandberg said working for different social services before working for IU has made her more concerned about crime, poverty, child abuse and recidivism in the crowded Monroe County Jail.\n"Garrison Keillor has a quote that says 'The job of the government is to take care of people who need help and let the sick and strong take care of themselves.' This quote sticks out in my mind," Sandberg said. \nSandberg's background in the arts inspired her to support theater and opera in Bloomington, she said. \n"Civic engagement is crucial to a democratic community," Sandberg said. "Those who (support the arts) are typically those who vote."\nStudent awareness of the Bloomington government is very important to her. \nMany issues affect students directly, such as city parking, housing laws and utilities, but being "civic-minded" is an important trait to have, Sandberg said.\n"I think more young people involved in civic issues will take that with them," she said. "I would hope that people would vote intelligently." \nSandberg plans to run for re-election with a year of valuable experience under her belt. \n"A woman shouldn't be elected just because she's a woman, (but) women are concerned about different issues than some of the gentlemen," Sandberg said. "I see myself as a role model for other women"