At the Nov. 9 Bloomington City Council meeting, the city manager proposed a property tax increase. Alderman James Fruin moved to raise the property tax levy an estimated 8.58 percent over last year. This was seconded by Alderman John Hanson.

Aldermen Stearns, Purcell Sage and Huette voted “no.” Voting “yes” for the property tax increases were Aldermen Fruin, Hanson, Karen Schmidt, Bernie Anderson and Jennifer McDade.

These supporters of raising your taxes gained their positions by mayoral appointment or being elected without opposition.

All four who voted “no” were elected with opponents. These four know their constituency, communicate with them and have pledged to represent their interests!

The five tax proponent councilmen are virtually unknown in their wards. They work in lock-step with the city manager and mayor. They have become known as the “Rubber Stamp 5.” Those of us who have one of the four aldermen as our representatives have lost our voice to the rubber stampers.

In the last two years, the sales tax was increased. Other city fees increased in the range of 100 to 300 percent. The administration is now pushing for a 100 percent increase in the utility tax.

There is room for many cuts in a bloated city administration.

When will we, the voters and taxpayers of the city of Bloomington, take charge of our financial destiny?

Call your alderman, the mayor, the city manager. Google “City of Bloomington” to find your ward and alderman and how to contact them, before it’s too late.

Ron Schultz, Bloomington