Swain
Monroe County Sheriff Brad Swain has announced his run for the open Indiana House of Representatives District 62 seat.
Swain, a Democrat, announced his bid for the House seat in a Jan. 5 press release. The District 62 seat has been held by Jeff Ellington, R-Bloomington, since 2015.
After the decennial redistricting process, House District 62 changed considerably and now includes portions of Jackson County, all of Brown County and large portion of Monroe County including Bloomington.
Swain is finishing his second term as sheriff in Monroe County and wants to continue serving the public in the state legislature since he can only serve two terms as sheriff, the press release states.
Since 2015 Swain has been sheriff in Monroe County and has worked in the sheriff’s office for 36 years. The majority of his time with the sheriff’s office was spent as a detective specializing in investigating crimes against women and children. He worked with many review teams, including the Child Protection Team, the Child Fatality Review Team and the Sexual Assault Response Team.
He founded the Child Fatality Review Team in Monroe County. As sheriff, Swain served as the representative for the Indiana Sheriffs’ Association on the state Sexual Assault Response team.
“As Sheriff, I have been involved with the activities of the Indiana legislature on a near-constant basis,” Swain said in the release.
“Changes in laws occur regularly, and funding for jails and enforcement is important to ensure the best services for county residents. I’m active in the Indiana Sheriffs’ Association, which recently was involved in the passage of a commonsense approach to improving the professional level of policing statewide.”
Swain also serves on the sheriffs’ association’s training board as well as the Vincennes University Homeland Security Advisory Board and the Ivy Tech-Bloomington Criminal Justice and Legal Studies Advisory Board.
“Sheriffs have a tremendous reputation with the legislature as problem solvers for many community challenges where their roles can have influence,” Swain said.
“With the credibility of the office, my career experience and many leadership roles in community service, I will provide expert guidance and be heard when I communicate with other members of the House. I believe I am the most qualified Democrat to work with the Caucus, especially considering an ongoing ability to reach across the aisle.”
He was also appointed to the Indiana Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch, a nonprofit facility that provides outdoor activities for kids from urban and rural communities. Swain has joined a local ABATE chapter for an annual “Sheriffs’ Ride” to raise funds for the Youth Ranch since 2015.
Swain volunteered for many years with Big Brothers/Big Sisters. He mentored two Littles “who are now productive young men,” the release states.
He is also an annual sponsor for the Bowl for Kids’ Sake.
His community service includes being a member of the Indian Creek Lions Club and past president; the Fraternal Order of Police and past president; the Farm Bureau; Sons of American Legion; Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War; Indiana Woodland Owners Association; Fraternal Order of Police; and FBI National Academy Associates.
According to the press release, Swain is a multi-generational farmer who has “a deep concern for the protection of the operation of farms and safeguarding Indiana’s natural resources.” He and his wife Amy live on their farm in southern Monroe County.
Valuing fitness, Swain was the first sheriff to start mandatory fitness standards for patrol deputies, according to the release.
He has competed in three World Police and Fire Games events along with running several marathons and half marathons. He recently received his second-degree black belt in Taekwondo.
Following nearly four decades of community and professional service to his county and state, Swain “identifies with the needs of the citizens of Brown, Jackson and Monroe counties,” the release states.
“My past seven years as sheriff and long record of accomplishments during my career make me the candidate to impact actions within the House,” Swain said in the release.
”I will work hard as always, and will take the concerns of my constituents to the Statehouse. I welcome the opportunity to continue faithfully to serve my fellow Hoosiers.”
For more information about Swain visit his Facebook page @bradswainfor62 or his website bradswainfor62.com.
Swain joins the race with Republican Dave Hall who announced his intent to run for the open District 62 House seat in October.
Last week, Hall announced he had officially filed to run on Jan. 5, the first day candidates could file to run for office.
Hall is a local small business owner and lives in Jackson County. For the last 20 years he has served southern Indiana farmers as the owner of Dave Hall Crop Insurance. He is currently serving his second term as county councilman at-large for Jackson County.
He also was elected in 2018 to represent District 8 on the Jackson County REMC board of directors. Jackson County REMC serves the electric and high-speed internet needs of more than 20,000 members in parts of 10 southern Indiana counties.
Hall also has served on the Owen Township Advisory Board, Jackson County Emergency Management Agency board, Jackson County Ambulance Board, redevelopment commission and Jackson County Industrial Development Corp. board and as a special deputy with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department.
