Nine candidates have submitted their name to replace Cheryl Munson on the Monroe County Council. (Barbara Brosher, WFIU/WTIU News)
Wednesday January 8, 2025 update:
One of the nine people running for the vacant Monroe County Council at-large seat has ended her candidacy.
Sarah Larson told the Monroe County Democratic Party on Tuesday she would not be able to run because of professional requirements. Larson works for the Indiana Rural Health Association.
David Henry, the Monroe County Democratic Party Chair said some organizations that receive public funding may have rules for employees seeking public office.
Candidates submitted their names to replace Cheryl Munson, who passed away in December.
Voting members of the Monroe County Democratic Party Central Committee will select one of the now eight people caucusing for the council seat.
Henry said the committee is made up of representatives from every neighborhood and precinct in the county.
The open at-large seat is one of three on the Monroe County Council. The council has seven seats total.
The Monroe County Democratic Party caucus is scheduled for Sunday, January 19th, 2025.
Original story filed January 3,2025:
Nine candidates have filed to run for the vacant seat on the Monroe County Council.
Those candidates have submitted their name to replace Cheryl Munson, who passed away earlier this month at age 80.
Read more: Monroe County Council member Cheryl Munson dies at 80
The applicants include Matt Caldie, Rob Council, Sarah Larson, Andrew Guenther, Richie Carter, Liz Feitl, Ilana Stonebraker, Joe Davis and Scott Shackelford. Caldie, Council, Davis and Shackelford added their names just before Thursday's deadline.
The vacancy caucus will be at 1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19 at the Monroe County Courthouse Nat U Hill room. It was originally scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 5, but was postponed due to the anticipated winter storm.
Statements from some of the candidates, which were required during the application process, are below.
Matt Caldie is a longtime resident of Bloomington who previously served on the city's Enviromental Commission.
"I'm running because I care and because there's work to be done. I hope to work collaboratively with my colleagues to create a brighter future for Monroe County," Caldie said.
Rob Council currently serves as a compliance officer for Bloomington's Housing and Neighborhood Development Department.
"I look forward to meeting with you all, hearing your concerns, and working together to address the challenges facing us as a county," Council said.
Sarah Larson is a longtime resident of Monroe County and has spent several years working to address health issues throughout Indiana.
“I love my home community, and I chose to return to it because I believe Monroe County is truly special. If chosen for this position, I will use my knowledge and skills to ensure this community grows and improves and still be the place we love and call our home,” Larson said.
Andrew Guenther has spent the last several years working on issues such as pollution mitigation and public transit. He’s also served on several commissions throughout Bloomington and Monroe County.
“New blood, experienced in working with officials in the county and the City of Bloomington, is needed to help broker compromise and progress,” Guenther said. “I would uphold the mantle left behind by Cheryl Munson through my service to our environment and to those among us most in need.”
Richie Carter is a former member of the Stinesville Town Council and has served on several firefighter association boards. He currently works for Indiana University as a supervisor in Housing Operations.
“While I know I can never replace what was lost with the passing of Mrs. Cheryl Munson, I share her pride in being from a rural township and town—Bean Blossom Township and the Town of Stinesville—being involved in local politics and serving students,” Carter said.
Ilana Stonebraker is a former Tippecanoe County Council member. Stonebraker credits much of her own political success to guidance and encouragement from Munson.
“Cheryl leaves big shoes to fill, but I am committed to making Monroe County inclusive, efficient, and welcoming for all,” Stonebraker said.
Liz Feitl is a longtime resident with decades of experience working on labor issues throughout Monroe County.
“I am willing to devote the time it takes to the County Council At Large duties and commit to do so if elected,” Feitl said. “It would be my honor to continue to serve Monroe County in this capacity and especially to honor Cheryl for her magnificent work and service for this community.”
This story has been updated to include a new date due to the winter storm.
