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This page provides information about the candidates who are running for the Monroe County Council on Election Day, November 5th. The 7-member County Council appropriates all funds for county use, adopts county budget, fixes county tax rates, and has exclusive power to borrow money for the County. Councilors serve four-year terms for this part-time position.
Three Democrats are running unopposed for three open At-Large seats on the Monroe County Council. Incumbents Trent Deckard and Cheryl Munson are running for re-election and are joined on the ballot by David Henry. |
At-Large Candidate: Trent Deckard (D) (i)
- Friend to the community. Experienced leader. Eighth generation Monroe County resident. Focused on access for all, good government, affordability, sustainability, and quality of place issues. Trent believes that elected officials can work together, get good results for the people they represent, and make a positive impact.
- Link to campaign page
- Link to Facebook page
Chamber Question: What does economic development mean to you as a county council candidate?
Answer: Economic Development is the process by which we strengthen the workplace and workforce, simultaneously, and increase quality of life and quality of place features. I am highly cognizant of how job creation ultimately leads to a better reality for those living, working, and playing in our community. In my work on the county council, I am always looking for ways in which the community can support our workforce through good decision-making that supports this critical work where residents need it most. That community support can include job training, incentives for expansion and job creation, infrastructure, childcare, housing, and resource stability. It can also include creating conditions which attract tourism to the area through an expanded convention center, which I wholeheartedly support, as well as other support that local business leaders truly need.
I am the product of a family that was greatly harmed by the plant closure in Bloomington at the Thomson (RCA) plant in the 1990’s. Those losses were devastating and we’d have given anything for good economic development at that time. In my council role, I work eagerly to make sure that job creation and workforce growth are a true community priority. A stronger local economy will help all residents.
At-Large Candidate: David Henry (D)
David is a Dad, Management Consultant, and Civic Leader.
A Hoosier by choice, David moved to Indiana 20 years ago to study at IU and found his forever home in Bloomington. He has worked for government, non-profit organizations, and management consulting for two decades, and will bring that experience to County Council.
Link to campaign page
Link to Facebook page
Chamber Question: What does economic development mean to you as a county council candidate?
Answer: County Council's job is to help get us to a fiscal "yes" to improve economic job opportunities, housing choices and to invest in the quality of life that our whole community can enjoy. Through smart use of our bond rating, tax increment financing and other instruments of fiscal control, Council is well-positioned to get from what often seem like abstract ideas to a reality for the community. Council can play a greater role in the soft power of positive leadership through its work on boards and commissions, but also in the outreach to organizations like the Chamber to help better inform county investments and partnerships. In the end, Council is where we put our money where our mouth is on fostering economic development. We should reflect the values of our community, create possibilities for housing and job choices, and with a sustainable eye on the triple bottom line of planet, people and prosperity. My background in and out of government service - as a former county employee, representing our nation's governors on boards in Washington, as a government policy analyst, and over a decade in government contracting will complement the work of fellow councilpersons toward that triple bottom line.
A Hoosier by choice, David moved to Indiana 20 years ago to study at IU and found his forever home in Bloomington. He has worked for government, non-profit organizations, and management consulting for two decades, and will bring that experience to County Council.
Link to campaign page
Link to Facebook page
Chamber Question: What does economic development mean to you as a county council candidate?
Answer: County Council's job is to help get us to a fiscal "yes" to improve economic job opportunities, housing choices and to invest in the quality of life that our whole community can enjoy. Through smart use of our bond rating, tax increment financing and other instruments of fiscal control, Council is well-positioned to get from what often seem like abstract ideas to a reality for the community. Council can play a greater role in the soft power of positive leadership through its work on boards and commissions, but also in the outreach to organizations like the Chamber to help better inform county investments and partnerships. In the end, Council is where we put our money where our mouth is on fostering economic development. We should reflect the values of our community, create possibilities for housing and job choices, and with a sustainable eye on the triple bottom line of planet, people and prosperity. My background in and out of government service - as a former county employee, representing our nation's governors on boards in Washington, as a government policy analyst, and over a decade in government contracting will complement the work of fellow councilpersons toward that triple bottom line.
At-Large Candidate: Cheryl Munson (D)
Cheryl is in her 12th year of representing the residents of Monroe County. Cheryl has lived in rural Monroe County for 52 years, worked in Bloomington, and been actively involved with diverse organizations and programs in our community. As your County Councilor, Cheryl pledges to use her compassion, knowledge, and experience to: attend to fiscal responsibilities; preserve our valuable resources; and build resilience.
Link to campaign page
Chamber Question: What does economic development mean to you as a county council candidate?
Answer: From a Monroe County government perspective, economic development is much more than economic growth in jobs and capital and associated policies and programs. It is also sustainable growth in quality of life, including infrastructure, housing, and private and governmental services for public safety, health, and social and cultural components of life.
The Monroe County Council plays an obvious role in economic development by making decisions on tax abatements and the management of TIF districts. Furthermore, it places Council members on various boards and commissions whose work involves economic development. But as the fiscal arm of county government, it is our decisions on appropriations that directly affect quality of life and economic development. The County Council’s contributions to the fiscal health and sound management of our financial resources have led to excellent results for state audits and increasing ratings for bonds. The Council’s financial decisions for the Planning Department (management of land-use zoning), and the departments of Building, Emergency Management, Fire Protection, Health, Highways, Justice System, Parks, Sheriff, and Waste Reduction, among others, relate directly to the quality of life in our county. Additionally, the Council may expand its role in economic development if a climate action plan is approved for funding.
Link to campaign page
Chamber Question: What does economic development mean to you as a county council candidate?
Answer: From a Monroe County government perspective, economic development is much more than economic growth in jobs and capital and associated policies and programs. It is also sustainable growth in quality of life, including infrastructure, housing, and private and governmental services for public safety, health, and social and cultural components of life.
The Monroe County Council plays an obvious role in economic development by making decisions on tax abatements and the management of TIF districts. Furthermore, it places Council members on various boards and commissions whose work involves economic development. But as the fiscal arm of county government, it is our decisions on appropriations that directly affect quality of life and economic development. The County Council’s contributions to the fiscal health and sound management of our financial resources have led to excellent results for state audits and increasing ratings for bonds. The Council’s financial decisions for the Planning Department (management of land-use zoning), and the departments of Building, Emergency Management, Fire Protection, Health, Highways, Justice System, Parks, Sheriff, and Waste Reduction, among others, relate directly to the quality of life in our county. Additionally, the Council may expand its role in economic development if a climate action plan is approved for funding.
