Why Vote Republican in Bloomington?

The title of this post is a common question I get asked by voters throughout the district as many of them wonder why someone would run for office in Monroe County, especially for city government.  Indeed, the city government hasn’t elected a Republican to the city council in decades or had a Republican mayor since the 70s.  Yet, the question itself is the reason why I think one should vote Republican here in Monroe County: it is important to have intellectual diversity in any institution and someone in government who will serve as an independent and outside voice.
When an institution becomes dominated by the same types of people often becomes a victim of groupthink.  Groupthink, as defined by Webster’s dictionary, is “a pattern of thought characterized by self-deception, forced manufacture of consent, and conformity to group values and ethics.”  This can often lead to a hesitancy to change or ignoring problems with an agreed to belief.
In Bloomington, we have consistently seen problems such as development prioritizing apartments instead of homes, rising crime, homelessness, etc. continue with limited belief from Bloomingtonians that the city will address them.  People continue to vote and continue to get more of the same as the same party dominates city government.  Many I’ve talked to don’t even believe the city is interested in their needs and has made its decision long before the issues are addressed.  That’s why it’s time for a change.

For that reason, I’m running for city council as a Republican.  The city of Bloomington needs an independent voice on the city council who is willing to bring the needs of their constituents to the city government and make sure they are willing to do what needs to be done.  It is important that there be competition in the city government and for that reason I believe there needs to be someone of a different party elected.