BLOOMINGTON- Leading up to the primary election, the Bloomington Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) hosted an economic development-focused Monroe County Commissioner Candidate Forum. The event, aimed at educating the community, featured candidates vying for the two seats up for re-election. With seven candidates in the May primary, the forum provided a platform for these contenders to articulate their visions for the county’s economic development. The candidates in attendance were the following:
District 2 Democratic Candidates: Peter Iverson and Julie Thomas
District 3 Democratic Candidates: Penny Githens, Jody Madeira, and Steve Volan
District 3 Republican Candidates: Paul White, Sr and Joe VanDeventer
Tyce Carmichael, BEDC Board Chair, welcomed attendees to the forum, underscoring the significance of county commissioners’ leadership in shaping Monroe County’s governance.
The BEDC also provided attendees with links to candidate bios and statements from the candidates on their vision for economic development in Monroe County. This initiative aimed to offer voters comprehensive insights into each candidate’s platform, facilitating informed decision-making on Election Day.
Forum moderators Shawna Girgis from IU Health – South Central Indiana, Kristen Weida of the Bloomington Board of Realtors, and Cullen McCarty from Smithville Communications represented a range of industries. They led discussions centered explicitly on economic development.
Carmichael acknowledged the candidates’ commitment to public service and expressed gratitude for their participation. The forum’s format encouraged audience engagement, with opportunities for questions and networking sessions.
Reflecting on the day’s discussions, Carmichael urged attendees to stay engaged, thanked them for their participation, and encouraged everyone to get out and vote.
BEDC event sponsors include prominent entities such as Indiana University, IU Credit Union, German American Bank, Weddle Bros., and many more. They were joined by event co-sponsors including the Bloomington Board of Realtors, Building Associates of Southern Indiana, and The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce.
For more information and to access the recording of the forum, visit CATS TV.
