Mayor makes State of City speech

In his annual State of the City address Thursday at the Buskirk-Chumley Theatre, Mayor John Fernandez revisited many of the familiar themes of his tenure.\nFernandez called his 2001 address "different," as he outlined his initiatives and plans in five themes: Children First, Safe and Civil City, Rebuilding Bloomington, Innovation and Fiscal Responsibility and Leading in our Changing Economy.\nFernandez, while highlighting Bloomington's efforts in local education reform, said he was disappointed with Gov. Frank O'Bannon's budgetary plans in regard to higher education.\n"I am deeply troubled that this budget flatlines investments to public universities," Fernandez said. "I could not think of a worse message for children and potential investors."\nCity Councilman Jason Banach, R-District II, agreed, saying he was proud Fernandez took issue with the matter.\n"It's great and all to prioritize primary and secondary education, but its extremely disappointing to reduce funding to higher education," he said. "We absolutely have to invest in that area, not cut."\nFernandez said he will continue to focus on education. \n"I will continue to encourage our school system to come together and get behind a process that will improve our schools."\nRebuilding Bloomington\nFernandez highlighted the success of this summer's "Big Dig," where a new culvert replaced a storm water route more than 100 years old. He said, while costly to merchants and residents on Kirkwood Avenue, it was a much needed project that unfixed would leave the area in a "catastrophic" state.\nLooking toward the future, Fernandez acknowledged the $2.8 million initiative similar to the 3-month "Big Dig" that will begin this summer at Second and Washington Streets. He also said the city is preparing for the widening of College Mall Road, West Third Street and Second Street through several committees. He said the ultimate goal is to complete the tasks efficiently and within budget. \nThe city will also take an active role in expanding the IU Campus and Bloomington Transit bus services. Fernandez called the merger both "necessary" and "successful" so far. \nLeading in our Changing Economy\nConstruction on the six-floor Walnut Center parking garage and commerce center began in June. \nFernandez said the building will be completed within the next few weeks. The $5.6 million project includes 15,000 square feet of commercial space and a five-floor parking garage, which is intended to boost commerce and ease the parking situation downtown. \nThe building will also house a telecommunications center, where Internet and telecommunications firms will share computers and switching gear. \n"We have a tremendous need to bring in high tech business," said Councilman Jeffrey Willsey, D-IV. "The Walnut Center will be a key component, a point of entry."\nIn May, Fernandez announced the Bloomington Digital Underground Initiative, which he said will “advance telecommunications throughout the city." \n"I'm glad we're moving forward," said Willsey, who long lobbied for the initiative. "With a city of our size, it would be otherwise hard to bring in high tech start-ups."\nCommunity character\nFernandez said the underlying goal for Bloomington remains the same: to continually improve the city. He said he will revitalize the Kirkwood area, and plans for a new People's Park will be unveiled shortly.\n"Downtown is everyone's neighborhood where we all come together," he said. \nIn the coming year, Fernandez said, the city take the lead in ensuring Bloomington retains its character. Specifically, the mayor mentioned the John Waldron Arts Center, 122 S. Walnut Ave., and the Von Lee Theater, 509 E. Kirkwood Ave. \n"We have to save these buildings," he said. "Bloomington is a vibrant place and has even more potential, but we do not coordinate well."\nHe said the city will work to sharpen the missions of the local arts venues.\nAt-large city council member Andy Ruff also agreed that a focus on the area arts is necessary. He said the council agrees and will work with the mayor to improving current conditions.\n"It is the place and duty of the public sector to help determine and facilitate a support of the arts," Ruff said. "We support physical recreation programs, so why should the arts be any different?"\nFernandez said he is mostly happy with the city's current direction. All citizens need to learn and realize Bloomington's potential and work to steadily facilitate its growth, he said. \n"We may disagree about a lot of things, but we all agree on what Bloomington shouldn't be: Anytown, U.S.A.," Fernandez said.