Candidate profiles: County Commissioner District 2

COUNTY COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 2

Jeff Schemmer (R)

Age: 49

Education: High school diploma. “I have been working since I was 16 years old.”

Experience: “I have worked in city/county government for 21 years, which I feel gives me a unique perspective on county operations and what departments deal with on a day-to-day basis. I have held manager positions in businesses including retail and manufacturing.”

Web site: www.schemmerforcommissioner.org

Top priorities if elected: “Economic development is a concern in Monroe County; our citizens deserve good jobs that allow them to maintain the quality of life this county has to offer. I believe emergency preparedness should always be a priority for county residents. Our citizens need to know that the services they rely on for their safety and well-being are being taken care of. The environment is important, and I will work to see that development will be friendly to the environment. I will look for and support ways for the county to be more energy responsible.”      
 
Why running: “I feel I have something to contribute to local government because of my inside perspective. I believe that a cooperative work environment is more productive. My goal is to make informed decisions that are in the best interest of everyone where both long- and short-term goals are considered. All too often we see important decisions not being made because of reanalyzing information looking for a different outcome or the inability of two sides to work together. The juvenile treatment center is a prime example; this discussion has been going on for years.”

Mark Stoops (D)

Age: 49

Education: IU, UCLA

Experience: “Eight years on the Monroe County Council; past president of the Council; worked with every department in county government and have also served on most of its appointed boards and commissions.”

Web site: www.electmarkstoops.com

Top priorities if elected:  “There are many things we can do to improve our local environment and the quality of our lives in Monroe County while reducing costs. Lack of adequate health care, protecting our green space and water supply and saving taxpayers’ money while increasing services by working with the city of Bloomington and other local government units are all important issues that must be addressed. These are concrete goals for Monroe County that can be achieved with current resources and available knowledge.”

Why running: “Clean water and air, permanently preserved green space with reduced urban sprawl, a county-wide single-payer health care system, a lean and a more efficient county government, with a balanced economy that focuses on local, small-business creation and expansion. In my years in county government I have gained the experience necessary to help us chart a new course. I have a proven track record of pursuing progressive initiatives and getting results. With your support and your vote, as county commissioner I will continue to make sure Monroe County grows better, not just bigger.”