Good luck.

Travis and Stoops! Love the sound of that.

Oh yeah, and Best Wishes on that other stuff stuck in at the end of the release.

And, of course, today has been a special day…aside from sliding around on the crazy ice that has plagued us this winter, I had a really uplifting day. People have been sending me emails, calling, and showing a great deal of support.

Jake, I plan to illustrate how our community changes, and has been changed—by the decisions that are made by the Board of Commissioners. I’m looking forward to further discussing just what you’ve observed and described in your comments.

And “M,” isn’t it just incredible what choices we have before us? Better to have excellent, extraordinary choices before us–than to have to choose between a few people who are practically hard to differentiate from each other (as we have had in the past…) The popular writer Anna Quindlen said to a Bloomington audience this past year that, in the end, when she thinks of the choice between “the woman…or the black man…” her “heart goes pitter patter.” And, on a personal note, I like the sound of your upcoming adventure to Greece! That’s going to be a blast!

So, Serge, Clayfeat, Melissa, Jake, “M,” many thanks to you for visiting with me today–I’m very excited and I hope to have lots of positive, upbeat news for you as we countdown to the Primary Election on , Tuesday, May 6th!

Cheers,
Sophia

I am challenging the incumbent because I believe there are many effective ways for County Commissioners to serve their constituents. Through increased outreach, by proactively seeking citizen input, and by conducting more transparent work processes (particularly involving budgeting) our Board of Commissioners should lay out a stronger vision about how County Government works, where and how improvements can be made—and, most importantly, realistically convey how much everything costs the taxpayer. This last important matter of understanding budgets is one I have direct knowledge and insight for conveying given my current County Council work.

When it comes to land use, the County Commissioners have a great deal of authority and power over our citizens’ understanding of property rights and smart growth. Proper planning, a respect for the nine Plan Commissioners & Planning Department, are pillars for building, maintaining, and growing, a great community. Having diverse members of the Board of Commissioners focusing all their three sets of eyes, three perspectives, upon land use issues is critically important. For a very long time now Monroe County taxpaying citizens have had County Commissioners who appear to have difficulty being innovative in order to embrace new ideas and change that could enhance, and oftentimes protect, our beautiful Monroe County’s offerings (precious natural resources, cultural activities) and assets (a vibrant mixed economy.)

The record I’ve established on County Council reflects both bold and prudent steps towards bringing a great deal of change to the procedures of budgeting, shaping policy, and even fostering channels for positivity for many Department Heads who have clearly outlined missions for how they want to serve the public.

Mainly one department throughout County Government remains needing to develop a defining mission: the County Commissioners. If the Board of Commissioners had an authentic vision and mission (which, when elected, I know I can contribute to) citizens would have another vibrant, forward thinking phase for improvements to County Government. Monroe County citizens have not experienced such a phase as the one that took place in the 1980’s under Commissioner Charlotte Zietlow. We are long overdue for such a phase of local government, local leadership.

The basic priorities that have guided me thus far will continue to guide me: fairness, compassion— and the acceptance, and recognition, of the value of diversity.

Scott, you’ve been an openly candid critic of me ever since I declared my intentions to run for office in 2004. From what I understand, it is likely that we have very different values. Even so, I’ve never dismissed what you’ve had to say. It even appears that we have at least a few experiences in common—you have worked for County Government and have an insider’s perspective. So do I. You have sometimes been marginalized for your viewpoints. So have I. You’ve been diligent about your beliefs and have a proactive agenda towards an end goal of putting them out there in order to shape policy. Me too. And our seemingly unrelated efforts do create change (often imperfect, but worthy) that makes the world go ’round, makes it interesting, nourishes our democracy.

So, just like you, I have a passion for being involved and willing to use the dynamic ways that are available in order to serve my constituents (many of whom have shown a great deal of early support and appreciation for my latest decision during these last two days.)

Running in a contested Primary Election is but one way I can try to better serve my constituents presently (part of the democratic process.)

Thanks for writing and asking your question,
Sophia

hugs & please send my greetings to your now beautiful young lady!!
Sophia