September 28, 2012:

Cheryl Munson appointed by the Democratic Party Chair to fill the County Council ballot vacancy

November 6, 2012:

Election Day

Being a member of the Monroe County Council has been a dream of mine for several years. Never, ever would I have chosen for the opportunity to come about the way it has.

In 2010, I ran for the seat in District 2, which at that time comprised the southern and western townships of the county. Although I did not prevail in this highly Republican area, I was heartened by a strong showing in many of the precincts and again planned to run for County Council At-Large in May 2012. A crowded field of talented incumbents, including my 2010 campaign Chair, Warren Henegar, led me to change my mind.

Another chance arose in the summer of 2012, when a place on the ballot was opened by Julie Thomas (who moved "up" the ballot from County Council to fill a ballot vacancy for County Commissioner). The party chose Lee Jones, though the voting was close enough to sustain my belief that I can do a good job for the county in this position. Of course, I threw my support behind Lee and the other At-large candidates, Sophia Travis and Geoff McKim.

Then, tragedy struck. As most of you know, Sophia - our friend, neighbor, and public servant - passed away unexpectedly in the middle of September. In the midst of personal and community grief, the local Democratic Party officials had to decide who might replace Sophia on the November ballot.

I have been given that responsibility. No one can ever take Sophia's place, but I am willing to take on this short campaign for the County Council as my way to honor her and to serve. I want to help retain a voice on the Council that promotes both transparency in government actions and listening to constituents across the county, just as she promised to do. I am prepared to be Councilor because on my years of community service and knowledge of county government, and I believe I can win.

Sophia and I shared a caring approach and a willingness to listen, collect information, and then to act. While I have my own style and my own priorities, I will maintain this same approach.

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