Once I committed to running for this office - many months ago - I thought about working with a blog or a forum during the campaign (and after!) as a means to keep in touch with the voters. And here it is! As I walk door-to-door and attend a wide variety of events, I ask people about what matters to them (especially in conjunction with their County government). I plan to share a number of these relevant stories, situations, insights, and ideas throughout the campaign season.
While there has been a great deal of discussion (both in the media and in local political circles) about the national race - that Indiana could actually cast a decisive vote in the Presidential primary - there is a considerable amount of excitement at the local level. The interest in politics is very high this year…and I think this is a good thing. The fact that there are six Democratic candidates for three County Council seats (and there are six Republicans running for the same seats) means that the campaign season will be rather intensive for any candidate. The bigger picture is there are twelve people interested in becoming a member of the County Council. That, to me, is a very positive indicator of citizen engagement in their government. And the high level of participation and interest in the County Council race is matched in nearly every race. The more citizens have to choose from, the better.
Since this is my first blog entry, I would like to say thank you to my partner, Mike Enyeart, for his ongoing support and for enduring all of the changes which a campaign brings to a household. In addition, I am eternally grateful for my wonderful campaign staff. I feel encouraged, supported, and well-advised by this group of caring, positive, and (very) energetic people. We have all worked with each other before on local campaigns - the teamwork is a sight to behold!
And , thank you to Lu Cregar for setting up the campaign website (with the blog, and the calendar) and Sophia Travis for encouraging me to begin the blog process.
I should thank the readers, too…. whoever you are! Please chime in with your issues and concerns for your County!
March 21, 2008 at 9:54 pm
Hi Julie,
Could you say a few words about why, specifically, you are running for County Council? I’m very excited you are running, by the way!
March 22, 2008 at 8:08 am
Thanks for the note of encouragement, Christy!
I am running because local government matters - the County Council can effect the kinds of change which will lead Monroe County in a better direction. We can protect our resources, we can encourage small business growth, and perhaps we can attract a different kind of business to our area - green-based, environmentally-focused business concerns.
I believe the County Council should support additional victim’s assistance programming through the Prosecutor’s office (such as SART - sexual assault response team - organized as a collaborative effort a few months ago). I would like to encourage County residents to become more involved in their government.
There are a number of important issues facing our County - the newest State legislation on local government places juvenile justice squarely into the hands of the State. Meanwhile, there were local efforts to create a juvenile justice facility in the County. What becomes of this project? How can we ease the overcrowding in the (adult) jail? These situations and questions deserve research, thoughtfulness, and the inclusion of as many voices as possible in the decision-making process. I would be honored to be part of that process.
Please let me know if you have any further questions… Thank you for posting your comment!