Bloomington Mayor Mark Kruzan leaves the podium after taking the oath of office Jan. 1, 2012. Monty Howell | Herald-Times
Mark Kruzan’s history
• Graduated from Indiana University in 1982 with degrees in journalism and political science
• Graduated IU School of Law in 1985
• Elected state representative for Bloomington in 1986 and was the youngest member of the Indiana Legislature until 1992
• Appointed Indiana House minority whip in 1994
• Elected Indiana House majority leader in 1996
• First elected Bloomington mayor in 2003
When Mark Kruzan ran for Bloomington mayor in 2003, it was to protect the “eclectic nature” of the city.
And it’s the same reason that’s pushed him to not seek a fourth term.
In 2009, Kruzan initially pushed forward a limit on “formula stores” on Kirkwood Avenue, the courthouse square and “Restaurant Row” (East Fourth Street), but opposition rose so quickly that legislation was never drafted. When Kruzan revived the idea this year to regulate the look and use of downtown businesses, it sparked controversy again, and the Bloomington City Council amended it to only apply to the look of businesses downtown.
“When I failed to get that done for Bloomington, even though I had a 9-0 Democratic council, I realized it was probably time to make way for someone else to work with council,” Kruzan said. “It’s what finalized my decision.”
Kruzan announced Tuesday he won’t be on the ballot in 2015.
After graduating from Indiana University in 1982, he went to law school, but not because he wanted to be a lawyer.
“Law school was a delay tactic to stay in Bloomington,” Kruzan said. “It’s because it’s Bloomington.”
© 2024 HeraldTimesOnline, Bloomington, IN