I am writing as an expression of support for Amanda Barge and her campaign for Monroe County commissioner. In the 20-plus years that I have known her, Amanda has shown herself to be kind, caring and compassionate — traits that she has leveraged as a successful mental health practitioner, private business owner and dedicated wife and mother. But her qualifications for commissioner go far beyond being just a “nice person.” Aside from a short stint in graduate school, Amanda has been a lifelong resident of Monroe County. As such, Amanda has a keen appreciation of both the wonderful assets that the county has to offer, as well as the tougher issues it needs to tackle. As I understand it, Amanda is the only candidate running in her district that has directly addressed the need for Monroe County to be vigilant about water quality issues. This highlights her willingness to take on quality of life issues that affect every resident of Monroe County.

Amanda Barge is an astute, highly intelligent and diplomatic individual. She will bring a much needed fresh perspective to the county commissioners' table and will treat her constituents with the dignity and respect they deserve.

Timothy Hommey

Bloomington