Friends,
Recently I announced I won’t be running for a third term as mayor—not an easy decision. Dawn and I have felt so fortunate to help shape Bloomington’s future through city government.
But I didn’t seek election in order to be mayor. I ran in order to do things as mayor. And I’m so very gratified in all the things we’ve been able to do together in the past seven years. It just feels right to turn the page (in 13 months!), and let others carry the baton onward.
Robin Chase, founder of Zipcar, has said we should “create the world we want to live in.” (She wanted to live in a world with shared cars, so she helped create it.) Together, we’ve been creating the Bloomington we want to live in.
We are creating a Bloomington with more jobs and better wages. With more affordable housing. With great outdoor spaces and outstanding cultural attractions and activities. With top-quality and equitable digital connectivity. With great basic services and strong finances. We are addressing the climate emergency and leaning into inclusion so all feel they belong here, as they do.
We are together creating the city we want to live in, despite the headwinds of a global pandemic and recession and the worst US presidency in history. Credit President Biden and Congress for providing crucial resources to weather the storms. And incredible partners and players who make Bloomington thrive.
With 13 months of work ahead, I’m excited about Bloomington’s future and our prospects to keep improving and make this the city we and many others want to live in.
None of this happens without you – supporters, friends, advocates, activists—lovers of Bloomington. Thank you so much, for all you do, and all you mean to Dawn and me. Keep loving this city we call home!
Democratically yours,
John Hamilton
P.S. Let’s celebrate the midterms and thank all those who ran for office. Democracy prevailed despite terrible gerrymandering, voter suppression, and election deniers. We of course have lots to do to overcome those obstacles, and overcome we shall.