Monroe County Democratic Party Chair David Henry is running for one of three at-large county council seats up for election this year.
Henry wants to fill the vacancy that will be left by Geoff McKim, who was first elected in 2008 but is not seeking reelection.
Henry will remain party chair through 2024. His term expires in January 2025.
Henry said he is running to help secure Monroe County's economic future and to help address poverty and high housing costs.
"Whatever you do for a living, in Monroe County workers need a shot at not just surviving, but thriving in our community," Henry wrote to WFIU/WTIU News. "The next council must work hard with partners to provide relief to those struggling, and invest in infrastructure improvements to catalyze development."
In a news release, Henry said the county must address challenges including a project to establish a new county jail and making investments in infrastructure that benefits economic development.
“County council is where we fund our future,” Henry wrote. “I hope to build on our past successes and ensure that our budget reflects our values, fosters inclusion, and creates possibilities for everyone in Monroe County.”
Henry also cited sustainability, economic diversity, civil liberties and fiscal transparency as priorities.
Until recently, Henry served as the Democratic representative to and president of the Monroe County Election Board. He resigned last month to run for county council. Henry named former Bloomington mayor John Fernandez as his successor.
Henry also worked for the Monroe County Health Department as the pandemic and bioterrorism emergency coordinator.
Additionally, he has worked in project management consulting in Washington, D.C., with various federal agencies and as a senior management fellow to the District of Columbia government.
Henry’s campaign team includes State Senator Shelli Yoder as chair and Susan Hingle as treasurer. Hingle is the president of the Monroe County Women’s Commission and former president of Monroe County NOW, the local chapter of the National Organization for Women.
