Community demands change, leadership

Kerry Thomson, a Democratic candidate for Mayor, released the following statement reacting to last night’s city council meeting and the discussion of the racially motivated attack on an IU student on a city bus that occurred last week.

"While some are hoping to minimize this situation and move on, what we heard last night is a community that is still in shock, in pain, and in desperate need of leadership. We can, and must, improve public safety in our community. Condemnations of racism and thoughts for victims and their families are part of what is necessary, but it cannot stop there.

We need real solutions. We need leaders that will acknowledge our public safety problems, who will listen to the community, and who will work together to develop comprehensive, community-based programs to address them. We cannot settle for a ‘relatively safe city.’ Bloomington needs to be a place that welcomes all—our safety, our prosperity, and our ability to thrive as a community all depend on it.

Like those who spoke last night, I want a community where all not only feel safe, but all are safe, because our systems ensure safety, and our values create connections and respect between people regardless of our differences.

To the victim of this crime, please know that our community stands with you and all AAPI members of our Bloomington family and wish you peace and healing – and that, together, we pledge to address this issue and create a safer, more inclusive city for everyone."