Press Releases

Kinzie Puts Focus on Safe Pathways

BLOOMINGTON - October 12, 2007 - Jillian Kinzie, the Democratic candidate for Bloomington City Council District 2, announces her neighborhood infrastructure plan. Kinzie's "Safe Pathways Initiative" demonstrates how the concerns of those living in the north side neighborhoods of Bloomington can be addressed by working together.

"I've heard from citizens in Fritz Terrace, Cascades and Northside Estates that they want leadership to assure the infrastructure in those areas gets proper attention." Kinzie will work with neighborhood associations and groups to help them convey priorities to the city, assure attention is given to those priorities and communicate how the city and neighborhoods can work together to accomplish those goals.

For example, residents are concerned with the lack of proper signs and street markings on Kinser near the skate park to warn approaching motorists of possible pedestrians and skateboarders crossing from the sidewalk on the west side of Kinser Pike. A concern over the lack of street lighting in the Northwood Estates has also been raised. In addition, residents have expressed the need for extending and connecting sidewalks in other areas throughout these neighborhoods. Kinzie's "Safe Pathways Initiative" will provide a foundation for ways the neighborhoods can communicate to the city that these safety concerns should be a priority.

Kinzie believes there are responsible ways to pay for these solutions within the existing city budget. "There are efficient and inexpensive ways in which to quickly address these safety concerns, but the first step is assuring the city is aware of the situation," said Kinzie. "This initiative is just the first step."

The Kinzie "Safe Pathways Initiative" is designed to empower neighborhood associations and groups to assure the safety of children, adult pedestrians, and motorists as they move throughout the neighborhood. "I have visited over 400 homes throughout the north side neighborhoods and know from personal experience the lack of attention given to this situation." The neighborhoods targeted by Kinzie address the needs of children walking to Bloomington North High School and to Arlington Heights Elementary.

Moving beyond basic infrastructure repair and on to integrated solutions to problems facing our city is the main focus of Kinzie's "Committed to Bloomington" campaign.

For more information on Jillian Kinzie's positions and experience, please go to jilliankinzie.com.

Kinzie Will Support and Promote Contributions of Parks

BLOOMINGTON - October 7, 2007 - In meeting with local residents, Jillian Kinzie, the Democratic candidate for City Council in District Two, has determined more efforts must be made in promoting awareness for some city programs, services and initiatives. One example of her efforts if elected will be to propose educating the public on the waste treatment purposes and functions of the Miller-Showers Park. According to Kinzie, "Very few people know it is a cost-effective and vital part of our water reclamation efforts."

Another example is the need to devote attention to the needs of our award-winning Bloomington Department of Parks and Recreation. "We have come to simply expect the amenities of our parks to be available and working without much thought on our part," says Kinzie. "I understand that budgeting decisions in the last few years have forced our parks department to delay what had been an effective repair and replacement schedule. If elected I will work to re-instate the proper level of support necessary to maintain our parks and recreation. For example, we need to ensure that the Bloomington's skate park at Upper Cascades is safely maintained."

Kinzie also supports city plans to aggressively pursue the completion of the B-Line Trail, another issue which requires more awareness. Kinzie believes once completed the trail will be heavily used, much like the Clear Creek trail, as it promotes more movement into downtown on foot and bicycle. The trail will also promote economic development as well as an alternative to traditional gas-powered transportation into the downtown.

"We need to remember the city is covering the basics needs of our community very well. Our needs for public safety, sanitation, snow removal and infrastructure are being met by the hard working city staff," says Kinzie. "We need to promote awareness of those things that make Bloomington more than just a basic functioning city. Addressing the needs of the Bloomington Department of Parks and Recreation is just one part of what I will do if elected." For more information on Jillian Kinzie's positions and experience, please go to jilliankinzie.com.

Kinzie Supports Social Services Funding

BLOOMINGTON - September 10, 2007 - Jillian Kinzie, a candidate for City Council in District Two, believes support of the Jack Hopkins Social Services Funding recommendations is critical in the pressing need to address differences in the quality of life for citizens of our community. State and federal dollars once allocated for local social services have substantially decreased, making the City of Bloomington's commitment to assuring sufficient funding of these vital agencies even more important.

"That many of the agencies and staff are award winning models for best practice across the nation shows the level of efficiency, effectiveness and professionalism they exhibit in their service to others," says Jillian Kinzie. Equally important, but often underappreciated, is the contribution these agencies make to our economic vitality. By bringing external grant funds into our community and through local employment, the nonprofit sector is a positive economic force. "These contributions are a testament to the value these agencies bring to our community and our support of them makes what I envision as 'Everybody's Bloomington' more possible. I am committed to their support."

In clear contrast to the current council member from District Two, Kinzie supports the funding of agencies such as Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Boys and Girls Clubs, and Head Start. All are agencies that serve the growing needs of children in our community. "Voting against the support of these agencies puts at risk the safety and wellbeing of children, adults and families in our city who find themselves in need," states Kinzie.

In a vote on City Council Resolution 07-04 to authorize city funding the current District Two representative was the only council member to vote no to funding of those agencies as well as organizations such as Monroe County United Ministries, Stone Belt, El Centro Comunal Latino, and Volunteers in Medicine. Kinzie will, "remain committed to the support of these agencies as they work to help those in need addre! ss life challenges, find affordable housing, assure proper childcare a nd foster economic development."

For more information on Jillian Kinzie's positions and experience, please go to www.JillianKinzie.com.

Paid for by the Jillian Kinzie for City Council Campaign
Kinzie for Council      2825 Blue Slopes Drive     Bloomington, IN 47408
(812)339-3524      info@jilliankinzie.com