Local Monroe County Democrats easily won their races Tuesday night, including politicians who have held their seats for many years.
County Commissioner District 1:
Democrat Elizabeth (Lee) Jones has been re-elected as Monroe County Commissioner, beating Republican opponent Perry Robinson with 58% of the vote.
Jones is no stranger to public office, having served on the Monroe County Council for six years before becoming commissioner, the Plan Commission for 10 years and the Board of Zoning Appeals for four.
Jones and her husband also own Stranger’s Hill Farm and Greenhouses, which is the oldest certified organic business in Indiana.
Lee told the Herald-Times that the most important issue facing the county is criminal justice reform, including reducing high incarceration rates and dealing with issues involving the county jail.
County Recorder
Democrat Amy Swain has been elected Monroe County Recorder, beating Republican adversary Paul White with 61% of the vote.
The Monroe County Recorder is responsible for county documents, including deeds, mortgages and military discharges, among others, according to Swain's website. The County Recorder is also responsible for recording and maintaining any submitted instruments and for making all documents available to the public.
As Monroe County Recorder, Swain said her priorities include accessibility, professionalism and a smooth transition.
Swain graduated from IU's Kelley School of Business. She was twice elected to the Indian Creek Township Board and served for eight years before being appointed Indian Creek Township Clerk. She’s also served as the Records Archivist for the city of Bloomington, according to her website.
Circuit Court Clerk
Current Monroe County Circuit Court Clerk Nicole Browne has been reelected. A Democrat, she ran unopposed.
Browne told the IDS in a statement that she wants Monroe County’s elections to be a "gold standard” for quality elections in Indiana. She also currently serves as secretary for the county election board.
County Assessor
Judith Sharp, a Democrat, has been reelected as Monroe County Assessor. Sharpe was unopposed and has held the position since 1991.
The Monroe County Assessor is responsible for placing a market value on all properties for taxation and does this each year based on property sold. Sharp said the department has around 58,000 parcels of land that it touches each year.
The Monroe County Assessor is not term-limited, meaning there are no limits on how long Sharp can hold the position.
