Other: Hello - I wanted to ask if the city could do a better job decorating for Christmas this year. We moved up from Florida last year and was very surprised that there was no Christmas tree in the city center, and meager decorations -- just some strings of white lights on the courthouse. It didn't feel festive or beautiful or special. It's important, maybe not for students, but for families, older people and also business owners, I would think, to have a festive, Christmas-y and beautiful downtown. Please, Bloomington, put up a big Christmas tree this year on or around the courthouse square, and have a special lighting ceremony, with Christmas and holiday music. And do Christmas decorations on the lamp posts on Kirkwood, and maybe string lights over the avenue (like in the photo attached here, of Clematis Street in West Palm Beach). It's these things that make a town really wonderful. Or not. Thank you, Margaret Menge
Emailed Ms. Menge with explanation. 8/23/18
Hi Margaret -- thank you for your uReport and I apologize for the delayed response. Mayor Hamilton believes strongly in celebrating in ways that are welcoming to everyone, regardless of religion or gender or race or background, etc. To decorate so specifically for Christmas could be alienating for residents and visitors who do not celebrate the Christmas holiday. While we make City Hall festive for the holidays, we do so in an ecumenical way with lights and greenery. Downtown Bloomington, Inc. does organize a Canopy of Lights ceremony every year on the Friday after Thanksgiving, turning on the downtown lights with singing (including holiday songs) and merriment. Additionally, the Monroe County Courthouse decorates for the Christmas holiday, including having a large Christmas tree in the rotunda. We really appreciate your feedback, and thank you for taking the time to contact us. Best wishes, Elizabeth Walter Executive Assistant Office of the Mayor
Thought this is more appropriate for Mayor's Office
