IU undergraduate student Conner Wright believes that Bloomington needs some younger representation.
That’s why he has decided to run for the District 3 seat on the city council, which includes part of IU's campus under the newly-redrawn district boundaries.
“Bloomington is facing a number of issues — including a growing housing crisis, a lack of public transportation, and few protections for cyclists and pedestrians — within our city. We also need to defend Bloomington’s natural environment so that we can protect our city’s beauty for generations to come,” Wright said in his candidacy announcement.
Wright, a Democrat, believes the most significant issue this election cycle is housing affordability.
“It feeds into so many other issues like quality of life and homelessness,” he said.
Wright believes that, as a student, he could bring fresh ideas to city leadership.
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“We need new leadership in Bloomington to help solve the problems of today and tomorrow. As an undergraduate at Indiana University, I can bring a new perspective to the city council that has been missing for 50 years. Bringing diverse perspectives to the city council will help us move our city forward,” Wright said.
Wright is a sophomore pursuing a dual degree in business and political science and describes himself as a politically-involved student leader, according to his candidate biography.
He grew up in Noblesville and attended Fishers High School before he moved to Bloomington.
Wright says his interest in political involvement was piqued by the 2016 presidential election, after which he partook in several conservation-based service projects, including his own Eagle Scout Project through the Boy Scouts of America.
He currently serves as vice president for IU College Democrats, was involved in his High School Democrats chapter and has interned with the City of Fishers.
Wright joins Bloomington resident Brett Heinisch (R) in challenging incumbent Ron Smith (D) for the District 3 seat.
