Incumbent Monroe County Commissioner Penny Githens has won the Democratic nomination for the District 3 seat on the Monroe County Board of Commissioners.
Githens, who is finishing her first term on the board, beat challengers Jody Madeira, an IU law professor, and Steve Volan, a former Bloomington City Council member.
At debates, Githens often defended against criticisms Madeira and Volan levelled against her. They have said the current commissioners work poorly with other elected officials and have stalled efforts such as building a new county jail and expanding the convention center.
Githens has cited both projects as some of her top priorities, along with housing, childcare, food security, and treatment for substance abuse disorder and mental illness.
Commissioner District 3 covers the eastern portion of the county, which includes Benton, Clear Creek, Salt Creek, Washington and parts of Perry and Polk townships. Candidates must live in the district, but all voters in the county can vote for them.
