IU College Democrats hold forum for local candidates

On the Sunday afternoon of Homecoming weekend, most students are recuperating, sleeping or enjoying the nice weather. However, about 20 individuals chose to spend their afternoon at the City of Bloomington Democratic-candidates forum hosted by the IU College Democrats. \n“City government is where things get done,” said sophomore Andrew Hahn, political vice president for the College Democrats. “The things that most affect your life are influenced by the city council and the mayor. When it comes to local politics, it’s important for students to know what’s going on and even that there is an election on Nov. 6.” \nThe forum was hosted by Mayor Mark Kruzan and featured five Democratic City Council candidates running in the election. Though candidates touched on their political histories and their future platforms, the focus of the forum was on student awareness and involvement in local politics. \n“I believe it is everyone’s responsibility to become involved in civic duties at some point in their life,” said Mike Satterfield, District 3 City Council candidate. “You’re a part of our community and like it or not, we’re a part of yours.” \nCandidates at the forum said students make up about half of the Bloomington population, representing 38,000 out of nearly 75,000 citizens. Concern was raised by the event’s coordinators that more students did not attend the forum and are not involved in civic government.\nHowever, Kruzan and others stressed the power of individual involvement. \n“Major races have been decided by fewer than 15 people,” Kruzan said. “Don’t underestimate your individual or collective clout.” \nApart from student apathy, questions focused on local issues that directly affect students, including sidewalks, parking and recycling. Timothy Mayer, at-large City Council incumbent, stressed the importance of sidewalks in a city where parking is often inconvenient and students need to be safe when choosing to walk. Kruzan highlighted less recognized issues such as poverty in Bloomington. \nNo matter what district they were running for, candidates were united in one belief: a Democratic ticket is a winning ticket. \n“I couldn’t be more pleased with this ticket,” said Susan Sandberg, an incumbent City Council member at-large. “People may fear voting a straight ticket, but we have differences. We’re not a rubber stamp council. When you vote for Democrats, you vote for people who are concerned for everyone.”