Campaign email
peter@peteriversen.org
Educational background
Lawrence University, bachelors; IU O'Neil SPEA, masters
Occupation(s)
County Councilman, Philanthropic Engagement Officer
My approach to leadership puts collaboration at the center. Throughout my time on the County Council, I’ve built strong working relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.
During my time as administrative chair of the Justice Fiscal Advisory Commission, I worked closely with members, which included both elected officials from across the county as well as individuals from the community. As a result of this collaboration, we created time-sensitive justice actions.
Additionally, during two Climate Resilience Workshops I led in 2023, I made an effort to include individuals from every walk of life throughout Monroe County. Through this cooperation multiple climate vulnerabilities and their potential solutions were recorded.
It is my strong belief that as an elected official, I serve the public and it is my obligation to hear from any Monroe County resident who wants to be heard. I have embodied this spirit in my campaign, where I have worked alongside a team of dedicated volunteers to reach voters. Through these exchanges, we have listened to what residents need from local leaders.
As County Commissioner, I will continue to seek out opportunities to reduce communication barriers and hear from our residents. I will go to the places citizens congregate like farmers’ markets and community celebrations and make myself open and available to them. I will continue to keep open access to my calendar so anyone can schedule a meeting with me.
Homeownership. We are in a housing crisis, and the lack of housing inventory stands in the way of every family's ability to generate wealth. This means that young people are leaving our community in droves. When they do so, they are taking valuable tax revenue with them in terms of property tax and income tax, they’re also taking themselves out of our shared wisdom and energy as a community.
I have a plan for all of Monroe County at PeterIversen.org. It’s not just for the next year or two—we have to start thinking about our community decades into the future. That’s why your vote in this election is so important, indeed your vote will chart the future of our community for decades to come.
Housing is a two-level problem, and we need to start from the evidence-based position that homelessness is a housing issue.
The County needs to have supportive housing for those who have greater needs. It really is that simple—but implementation requires planning, cooperation, and substantial expenditures. I sit on the Financial Board at Beacon Inc., proudly worked on the Heading Home plan for our community, and voted time and time again to support housing-first investments in our community.
We must do better when it comes to tent encampments. The best way to change this approach is by working alongside community organizations that already have relationships with those living in the area to formulate plans for where people will go.
Campaign email
thomasformonroecounty@gmail.com
Educational background
BS Telecommunications & Film (Eastern Michigan U), BA History (Eastern Michigan U), Master of Arts, History (Eastern Michigan U), Master of Arts, Russian History (Indiana University Bloomington), Ph.D. Russian History / Gender Studies (Indiana University Bloomington)
Occupation(s)
County Commissioner, part-time faculty at Franklin College and/or Southern New Hampshire University
Working with community stakeholders is a hallmark of my work as Commissioner. During the pandemic, we met regularly with Bloomington, Ellettsville, public health, township, and IU officials to coordinate the response, provide testing, and distribute vaccines. Townships asked us to create a Fire District to ensure public safety. We worked with them to do so. The Rural Housing Repair project was developed with the help of township Trustees. Although stalled by COVID-19, the Convention Center project is moving forward - all of the necessary agreements are complete. Currently, I am working with Ellettsville officials to ensure the continuation of Rural bus service to populated areas of the county. We can only be successful if we work together.
I speak with residents during scheduled virtual office hours, as posted on the calendar at co.monroe.in.us, where my personal phone number is also listed (812-345-0707). I engage with residents as I volunteer and attend events across the community. I will continue to encourage residents to participate in public meetings, including those we hold throughout the community related to specific projects. The feedback and insight we gain help us improve plans, designs, projects, and planning petitions. As a member of the Monroe County Health Equity Council from its inception, I serve on the Steering Committee and lead the government relations committe. Our focus is finding new ways to encourage public engagement with local policy makers.
With American Rescue Plan Act projects established, the next financial challenge will be the development of the justice complex. I toured facilities across the country with colleagues and learned innovative ways to reduce incarceration and recidivism and to address the mental health / substance use disorder crises facing our community. Our local situation reflects national trends. The Council is responsible for funding the new jail and justice complex, but opioid-settlement dollars can fund the development of substance use treatment in our county - to prevent initial incarceration and reduce recidivism. Just like ARPA projects, this investment - in people's lives and our community's well-being - will impact our county for decades to come.
Another national issue with local implications, we need to continue to listen to what advocates for those experiencing homelessness are telling us and, more importantly, we need to hear what people who are unhoused are saying. The mental health and substance use disorder crisis in our community is connected with this issue as well. Elected leaders need to lead by example - to treat those who are least fortunate among us with both dignity and respect. I supported the Heading Home program, Habitat for Humanity (Osage Place and the new proposed project), Beacon's development, and New Hope's cutting edge facility - they are vital investments in our community's future. I volunteered at the Osage Place Habitat site in 2023.
