IU law student plans to run for Monroe County Council

Studying for exams and running for public office don't typically go together in the lives of most IU students. One first-year IU law student, Michael Woods, will be running for Monroe County council in the upcoming primary election, to be held May 4. \nThe council is comprised of seven positions, three of which will be up for re-election this cycle. It has the power to appropriate all funds for county use, adopt a county budget, fix the county tax rate and has exclusive power to borrow money for the county, according to the Monroe County Government Web site.\nAs a student and long-time resident of Indiana, Woods said he feels this will give him a unique perspective on the needs of Monroe County residents. \n"On the one hand, I understand that students, who are usually here for only a few years, have needs that are more narrowly defined by the temporary nature of their residency. At the same time, permanent residents of the county have a broader range of needs insofar as services and economic opportunity," Woods said.\nThe Indiana Civil Liberties Union sued Monroe County last May, citing unsanitary conditions and overcrowding in the jail as the reason for filing suit. Currently, the jail is in danger of losing its insurance if the County does not come up with a solution to the problem. \nWoods said he plans to address the maintenance of adequate funding for services such as sanitation, county roads and law enforcement. He will also address the current jail crisis and attempt to encourage business growth.\n"Of course, any plans to increase business growth must be mindful of the county's natural beauty and our need to conserve it," Woods said.\nOther important considerations will surround attempts to address the poverty level within Monroe County, a problem of which many IU students are unaware.\nThe most recent United States Census Bureau statistics state that in Monroe County more than one out of every five children under the age of five is living in a household below the poverty line. Increased funding for relief programs will be needed to alleviate this problem, said the campaign manager for Woods, Gavin Rose.\n"This year, $1.069 million has been appropriated for relief, but only $535,000 will go to actual aid, with the other $534,000 going to administering that aid," said Rose. \nIssues of time management will be a consideration as Woods attempts to balance his duties. He points to previous experiences that will aid in this aspect of his potential membership in the County Council. \n"I have had considerable leadership experience as treasurer of the Wabash College Independent Men's Association and Vice President of Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law fraternity at IUPUI. I have strong analysis skills, which have only been strengthened by law school and which will allow me to understand and work with complex budget and appropriations issues," he said.\nAs the election season takes off, students are being offered an opportunity to get involved in Woods' grassroots campaign. Anyone interested is encouraged to contact Gavin Rose for more information at 325-6601 or at kpelter@michaelwoods.org.\n-- Contact Staff writer Tim Callahan at tmcallah@indiana.edu.