While my formal name is Cheryl Ann, almost everyone calls me Cheryl. I am seeking to represent the residents of District 2 as a member of the Monroe County Council.

I am a wife, mother, grandmother, and a research scientist in the Department of Anthropology at Indiana University. My professional work is in the field of archaeology. My community activities range from PTO and Scouts to volunteer fire department, elected member of the Township Board (four 4-year terms), and county-wide service on the Historic Preservation Board and Plan Review Committee. Like my neighbors, I want our county's future to be the best possible. To help direct that future, I will bring my substantial budget experience and 37 years of community service to the deliberations that the County Council will make over the next four years.

Since coming to Monroe County in 1971, I have spent time growing good things: children, food, flowers, and Labrador retrievers, but also services for residents and programs for young people and rural residents. Growing at the community level requires planning, cooperative labor, and maintenance (weeding) in order to have a good harvest.

I believe county government must support opportunities to grow jobs and programs for our youth, to continue the level of county services that residents value, and to change services needing improvement. Budget decisions are the County Council's principle job. My 15+ year record of attention to the concerns of residents and making township budget decisions shows that I do my homework on what is affordable and am carefully cost-conscious.

We don't know what the future will bring for our county. State imposed budget caps? County takeover of mandated township services? Disruption in public safety services due to construction of I-69? Increased need for assistance to residents without jobs? Who foresaw the closing of the Teen Learning Center?

The hallmark of my campaign stems from my experience and provides an outline of the key directions I will follow as a County Councilor. I will help grow a strong foundation for our county through:

• transparency in government;
• team-building for results; and
• support for our youth.

I am ready to listen to and serve the people of the large and diverse area comprising District 2–whether you live in the neighborhoods of the southwest section of Bloomington, nearby suburbs, in small towns like Clear Creek, Harrodsburg, Smithville, and Stanford, or in the country. I will bring budget and government service experience to the job of County Councilor, and I will be honored to have your vote.

Statement of Candidacy

Endorsed by:

The Democratic Women's Caucus

The Democracy for Monroe County