Outcome: Kate Rosenbarger won the Democratic Party primary for District 1 with 619 votes (65.92 percent), compared to 264 votes (28.12 percent) for Chris Sturbaum and 56 votes (5.96%) for Denise Valkyrie. [Full results here]
Chris Sturbaum is seeking re-election for a four-year term on the Bloomington Common Council representing District 1. He faces Kate Rosenbarger and Denise Valkyrie in the May 7, 2019 Democratic Party primary.
District 1 covers portions of Bloomington’s west and south sides. (Click here for a map of city districts.)
Sturbaum has served on the council since 2004, and was council president in 2006. He is owner of Golden Hands Construction, a local business specializing in the remodeling and restoration of older homes. He started that company in 1977.
On his campaign’s Facebook page, Sturbaum states that “there is still much work to be done” as the reason for his re-election bid. He cites planning for redevelopment of the hospital site, continued development of the Trades District and Switchyard Park, an overhaul of the city’s zoning ordinance, and consideration of a new transportation plan.
He told the Herald-Times: “I’ll really start off focusing on neighborhoods and keeping them strong, and having that local democracy work from the neighborhoods up. That’s really where a democracy works in a city of our size.”
During his tenure on council he has served on several city advisory groups, including the Historic Preservation Commission and the Plan Commission,
He is married to Barb Sturbaum, president of the Perry Township Board of Trustees. She is his campaign treasurer. Chris Sturbaum is serving as his own campaign chair.
Links to Additional Information
Campaign website: NA
Email: barbchri@bloomington.in.us
Twitter: NA
Campaign finance reports (2019 election cycle):
- Statement of organization
- Declaration of candidacy
- Statement of economic interests
- Pre-Primary Report of Receipts and Expenditures
In the News: Chris Sturbaum
Rosenbarger, Sgambelluri upend Sturbaum, Granger; Rollo, Piedmont-Smith win
– Bloomington Herald-Times, May 7, 2019
City Council Newcomers Prevail In Democratic Primary – Indiana Public Media, May 7, 2019
District 1 city council candidates talk hospital, annexation and growth – Bloomington Herald-Times, May 4, 2019
Residents, council react to proposed single-family housing zoning changes – Indiana Daily Student, April 24, 2019
Bloomington native Chris Sturbaum seeks fifth city council term – Indiana Daily Student, April 16, 2019
Council candidates discuss Fourth Street parking garage, housing development – Indiana Daily Student, April 2, 2019
Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce candidate forum (video) – Community Access Television Services (CATS), April 2, 2019
City council candidates discuss parking, the downtown and affordable housing – Bloomington Herald-Times, April 2, 2019
Newcomer city council candidates’ ages trend downward – Bloomington Herald-Times, Feb. 25, 2019
First day of filing kicks off 2019 elections – Bloomington Herald-Times, Jan. 8, 2019
Solar panels and history clash in Bloomington’s historic districts – Indiana Daily Student, Dec. 6, 2017
City Council continues to debate ongoing housing dilemma – Indiana Daily Student, Sept. 27, 2017
City council votes to go ahead with annexation discussion under current timeline – Bloomington Herald-Times, March 30, 2017
Guest column: Let’s demand the better option when it comes to urban planning – Bloomington Herald-Times, June 21, 2016
District 1 city council primary pits newcomer vs. veteran – Bloomington Herald-Times, April 27, 2015
Candidate Questionnaire – Democracy for Monroe County, April 2015