Bloomington resident Hopi Stosberg says her local volunteerism give her a fresh look at some of the challenges her neighbors face daily.
That’s why she’s running for the third district seat on Bloomington City Council.
Stosberg, a Democrat, wants to address issues including affordable housing, accessibility to city services, education and childcare — all topics with which she says she is very familiar.
Stosberg has been active in public education, as both her children are enrolled in Monroe County Community School Corporation schools.
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“Strong communities build strong schools, and, in turn, strong schools build strong communities. Equity in education, for the good of individual children and the whole community, is essential,” Stosberg writes on her website.
Stosberg has been involved in the parent-teacher organization at University Elementary School, where her daughter studied. She served as president and vice president for a combined five years and chaired the fall campaign and learning festival.
Part of supporting public education, Stosberg says, is investing in infrastructure improvements and housing.
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“For example, in neighborhoods where many children walk to school it is very important that the sidewalks be present and maintained, including enforcing snow removal procedures,” Stosberg writes. “City government can provide housing incentives or zoning variances throughout the city that would allow more affordable family housing, thereby expanding income diversity in neighborhood schools. Everyone has a stake in ensuring that a high-quality educational experience is accessible for all children.”
Stosberg also has volunteered at the Interfaith Winter Shelter and co-chairs a group that assists refugee families with housing, employment and education. She said doing so has shown her how difficult it can be to find affordable and safe family housing in Bloomington.
“Stabilizing housing for all residents should be a priority and will have trickle-down effects of improving overall safety and stability for all city residents,” Stosberg writes.
Stosberg is originally from Vermont and lived in Richmond for more than 15 years before she and her family moved to Bloomington in 2013.
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Stosberg says her experiences would bring a fresh perspective to city council.
“Through my volunteer work, I have expanded my understanding of the unhoused community, experienced the difficulty of finding affordable housing and childcare in Bloomington, navigated multiple social and government support systems, and become adept at managing the challenges of transportation in Bloomington without a car,” Stosberg writes.
Also running for the District 3 seat are incumbent Ron Smith and IU student Conner Wright — both Democrats — and Bloomington resident Carl ‘Brett’ Heinisch, a Republican.
