WFHB Bloomington Community Radio
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Tonight is Bloomington Mayor John Hamilton’s 3rd State of the City Address. He’s expected to give remarks looking back at the past year and stating what he hopes to accomplish in the next year. Hamilton’s State of the City address begins at 7pm in the Buskirk-Chumley Theater, and will be broadcast Live by Community Access Television Services.
The event is expected to be attended by several members of Black Lives Matter, who may disrupt Hamilton’s speech in protest of the city’s agreement to buy a two-hundred twenty five thousand dollar armored car for their police force.
On Tuesday, the Bloomington Police Department hosted a public forum about the armored truck purchase. During that meeting, BPD Chief Mike Diekhoff fielded questions from several residents, who expressed their discomfort at what they feel is a militarization of police forces, both in Bloomington, and in the nation at large. Diekhoff told residents he’s ultimately responsible for the safety of his officers.
Bloomington Black Lives Matter protesters in a Facebook event about tonight’s State of the City address wrote, “This is an unnecessary purchase. These funds could be better allotted for enhanced police training or many other needed improvements within our community.” The vehicle will be paid through the city’s Public Safety Local Income Tax.
Activists in the event’s Facebook also stated their intention to disrupt Mayor Hamilton’s speech unless their concerns are addressed. Chief Diekhoff has repeatedly vowed that the vehicle would not be used during protests or against protesters. Instead, he says the vehicle’s primary purpose is to respond to Critical Incident Response Team events, which usually involve an active-shooter.
City of Bloomington Communications Director Mary Catherine Carmichael, says Mayor Hamilton will acknowledge residents’ concerns during his address this evening. Even with opposition, the department still plans to buy the vehicle later this year.
The state of the city address will take place tonight at 7pm at the Buskirk-Chumley Theatre on Kirkwood Avenue, in downtown Bloomington.
