Biographical Information
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
1. City and town residents are also residents of the county. How would you work encourage communication and a good working relationship among city, town, and county elected officials? (750 characters/~125 words)
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.
2. Beyond public statements at meetings, letters, and email messages to you, how would you plan to hear from all the citizens of Monroe County? (750 characters/~125 words)
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.
3. What do you view as the biggest financial challenge for Monroe County this year and next? (750 characters/~125 words)
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.
4. What approaches would you favor to address the problems of homelessness in Monroe County? (750 characters/~125 words)
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.