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This is the WFHB Local News for Monday, March 25th, 2024.
Later in the program, local journalist Dave Askins of the B Square Bulletin files a report on the Bloomington City Council agenda for this week. More in today’s feature report.
That’s Dorian Villanueva from CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocates. She needs help standing up for the rights of local kids in cases of neglect and abuse. Find out more later in the show on a new episode of Activate!
But first, your daily headlines:
Candidates Clash Over New Jail at County Commissioners Forum
On Saturday, Democratic candidates for the Monroe County Commissioners race in the primary election participated in a forum at the library auditorium.
The League of Women Voters of Bloomington and Monroe County hosted the candidate forum with Maria Douglas, development director at Middle Way House, moderating.
Candidates for the District 2 seat of the Monroe County Commissioners include: Peter Iversen and the incumbent, Julie Thomas. As for District 3, the candidates include: the incumbent Penny Githens, Jody Madeira and Steve Volan.
During his opening statement, Peter Iversen who currently sits on the Monroe County Council, talked about public education and housing.
Current Commissioner Julie Thomas discussed her strategy of innovation when it comes to the environment and interacting with residents.
In District 3, Commissioner Penny Githens briefly highlighted her re-election campaign touching on her background and issues that are important to her.
Challenger for the District 3 seat, IU Maurer School of Law Professor Jody Madeira criticized the county government’s leadership on the Monroe Convention Center, the new jail initiative and city-county relations.
Former City Councilman Steve Volan also seeks the third district seat. Volan critiqued the county when it comes to housing, the new jail and its tense relationship with the city.
Moderator Douglas asked the slew of candidates about the planning of a new Monroe County Jail. Commissioner Githens responded to a question about what she learned from Sheriff Ruben Marté about jail design and location.
Madeira responded to the same question saying she doesn’t want the new jail outside the city. She mentioned what she learned from touring the current jail earlier this month.
Then, Volan touched on his strategy for the new jail saying he didn’t approve of how the commissioners have handled the project. He also responded to Githens’ comment that he voted against the Fullerton Pike proposal while he sat on the city council.
Next, District 2 candidates were given a chance to address the question on jail planning. Iversen said he has a close relationship with Sheriff Marté. He also commented on the perceived mismanagement of the current commissioners on the jail.
Commissioner Thomas responded to Iversen’s claims about the jail transition team. Thomas walked through her vision for the future of the county jail.
The candidates vying for the county commissioner seats continued to answer questions about mental health support in the jail, housing, climate change and a range of other issues. To watch the full candidate forum, visit this link. Early voting begins on April 9th. Primary Election Day will happen on May 7th.
Feature Report:
Up next, local journalist Dave Askins of the B Square Bulletin files a report on the Bloomington City Council agenda for this week. This report was recorded on Friday, March 22nd. Dave Askins has more.
When Dorian Villanueva was a family case manager with the Department of Child Services, she frequently depended on Court Appointed Special Advocates to figure out what was really going in cases of neglect and abuse. After her time at DCS was over she got involved at CASA as a volunteer, and right now she’s planning their biggest fundraiser of the year – the CASA gala on April 27th. Dorian is our guest this week on a new episode of Activate!, coming your way right now on the WFHB Local News.
Credits:
You’ve been listening to the WFHB Local News,
Today’s headlines were written by Kade Young and Noelle Herhusky-Schneider, in partnership with Cats – Community Access Television Services.
Our feature was produced by Dave Askins.
Activate is produced by Chad Carrothers and Michelle Moss.
Our theme music is provided by Mark Bingham and the Social Climbers.
Engineer and Executive producer is Kade Young.
