Indiana University law professor Jody Madeira is running for the Monroe County Commissioner District 3 seat.
Because of her background in justice access, her focus would be on the county’s plans for a new jail site first. Madeira says the site needs to be located somewhere accessible to the public.
“You don't just have to be, theoretically, on the wrong side of the law or charged with anything," Madeira said. "This is something that, you could be visiting friends, you could be visiting family members, you could be accessing recovery services.”
The county has not yet decided on the site of the justice center and is evaluating a few options.
Read more: Decision on new jail sit a while out, commissioners say
Madeira’s priorities include improving city-county relationships and access to community resources, according to her announcement, released February 9.
Madeira has wanted to run for several years.
“I looked to run where I could make the most difference," she said. "And I don't think that was on the state level because of the supermajority in the in the General Assembly.”
Madeira is running against incumbent Penny Githens, who announced her candidacy last month. Primary election day is May 7.
If elected, Madeira, an expert on abortion access, gun rights and freedom of speech, says she plans to continue her position as an IU Maurer School of Law professor.
