County candidates discuss key issues at open forum

Monroe County candidates debated issues such as health care, the homeless situation and overcrowded jails at a public forum Monday evening at the United Methodist Church of Bloomington. Candidates for commissioner, county council, auditor and judges spoke in front of the public and discussed important issues. \nThe question was raised about expanding a program for those in Bloomington who cannot afford healthcare instead of seeking primary care from the emergency room at Bloomington Hospital. \nAt-large candidates unanimously responded that funding is the biggest concern when looking at important issues such as healthcare.\nRepublican Andy Dodds said more research is needed before making a decision.\n"I will have to dig into and find out where we spend our money now," Dodds said. "Healthcare is a huge issue and it's one of a number of issues that affects the unemployed and the elderly. Bottom line, we as tax payers have to be able to fund this program and provide highest quality health care we can."\nDemocrat Michael Woods, a current IU law student running for council at-large, said he supports a program to expand care but he proposed using grants to fund it.\n"I support this absolutely. The question is how to fund this," he said. "I think we need to find grants to support this."\nDemocratic candidate for County Commissioner Jeff Ellington also agreed with council candidates, asserting that people must find preventative measures for health care.\n"I'm a believer in preventative measures, and we need to have true emergencies occurring in the emergency room," he said. "In order to do that we need to increase our funding."\nOvernight shelters, or a lack thereof, was also an issue raised at the forum.\nMany candidates were surprised by the absence of such a shelter and said the need for funding and support was necessary.\nDistrict 2 Republican candidate for Commissioner Joyce Poling said Martha's House, a Bloomington shelter, is currently the best solution. \n"Martha's House is working to try and open a family shelter. Any way we can help them, we should," Poling said. "The Salvation Army is also giving wonderful opportunities, but right now, the best possible future on our horizon is Martha's House."\nDistrict 3 Democratic candidate Iris Kiesling said a coalition is needed to raise funds.\n"Funding is the biggest part of the problem," she said. "We need to make this a community effort."\nBoth candidates for judge in the 7th Circuit Court were present and discussed why they would be the best man for the job.\nRepublican Jeff Chalfant said he wants to help those who cannot help themselves.\n"I want to be a judge because I can help a lot of people," Chalfant said. "The legal system can be difficult, even for some attorneys, to understand. I would like to help you one person, one case at a time."\nChalfant also said he would like to tackle the overcrowded jails in Monroe County.\n"I think there is a problem with the crowded jails and crowded court dockets," he said. "I think I can use case management to overcome these problems and (pursue) justice administration."\nChalfant's opponent, Democrat Stephen Galvin, said he would be fair and impartial and that his 23 years of experience as a public defender make him the best person for the job.\n"When I look at social issues, I look from the ground up," Galvin said. "You want a judge based on experience and who can see both sides, and you want somebody who will render justice fairly, I am that person. I promise to render justice fairly and impartially."\n-- Contact senior writer Lindsay Jancek at lmjancek@indiana.edu .