“In short there’s simply not a more congenial spot for happily-ever-aftering than here in Bloomington,” he sang to the crowd gathered at his campaign kick-off picnic Sunday evening in Bryan Park.
Though most of this original ballad described Indiana weather, the Democratic candidate did find some time to discuss policy between mingling with the supporters who lounged on the grass eating barbecue and dancing to the live musical performances.
Bloomington’s most recent three mayors were also in attendance to show their support.
“We have to make our economy stronger and more sustainable,” said Hamilton, who currently serves as president emeritus of City First Enterprises, a nonprofit dedicated to providing affordable loans. “We need to provide for our families. We need to protect the environment.”
Hamilton, who lost to current mayor Mark Kruzan in 2011, said he hopes to work for more affordable housing, replace manufacturing jobs and support local public schools.
“We need to embrace and love and protect our public school system and everybody who works in it,” he said to loud cheers.
In order to do this, Hamilton said he plans to work with the schools to become more efficient, find support for the schools within the community.
He also said he plans to support a new referendum for Monroe County schools. The referendum currently providing the schools with funds expires at the end of 2016.
This picnic also served to kick off the campaigns of Bloomington’s other Democratic candidates.
Shelli Yoder, who is running to fill the 9th District seat in the United States House of Representatives, introduced Hamilton.
“We have many months ahead of us that are going to be filled with hard work and good fun,” Yoder said.
City Council candidates and the Democratic city clerk candidate also made an appearance on stage.
“I’m excited to get in and do things instead of just talk about them,” said Allison Chopra, the only city council candidate present who has not previously served in local government.
Current city council member Timothy Mayer said even though it is relatively easy to be a Democratic candidate in a liberal city such as Bloomington, he welcomes competition as it provides a forum to discuss meaningful issues.
That competition will be present in the upcoming elections.
There is currently one Republican candidate running for city council.
John Turnbull is the first Republican in eight years to file a mayoral candidacy in Bloomington.
