Last year she told me that she was planning to run for Judge on the new Floyd Superiour Court. My first thought was what a fine judge she would make. It doesn't matter if you are rich and powerful or poor and powerless, Maria is no snob. In her court everyone would be treated fairly. She is brilliant but she has common sense. She is compassionate but she can be tough when it is necessary.
Maria told me that she was not born to a wealthy family. Her parents both worked and provided a home with good family values.
It should be no surprise to anyone that Maria was a gifted student. She was also a leader at an early age and became an officer on her student council board. Additionally she is a gifted pianist and singer, and even a talented athlete. Truly a Renaissance Woman. After high school she enrolled at IU and carried a full load while working a full time job. She graduated early with a BS in Secondary English Education. After that she attended law school at the IU School of Law in Indianapolis and even won a felony case as a 3rd year student.
During these busy years Maria married and gave birth to her son, Drake, who is now in the 8th grade. After that marriage ended she remained single for several years raising her son, working and serving as a volunteer for various local community organizations.
I think Maria can speak best in her own words:
Floyd County is my home. I choose to live her, and I love living here. It is the community where my husband, Steve Mennemeyer, and I raise our family. It is here the entire Mennemeyer family is rooted in Floyd County values. It is also where I have enjoyed a long career serving as an attorney, professor and appointed judicial officer. And is the community where my husband continues to serve, after 25 years in the U.S. Army, assisting families of our National Guard soldiers who will be fighting for us in the Iraq war.
Steve and I share a deep commitment to public service and live by the powerful words of Winston Churchill, "you make a living by what you get, but you make a life by what you give". As a Gold Star family whose lies have been forever changed by the sacrifice of our son's life for the good of our world. We accept the duty to serve with honor. My family and I support veterans and military families, the poor and disadvantaged, our youth, minority interests and diversity, and law enforcement. Public service is more than what we do, it is who we are.
Let's build our new court on a strong record of public service and a foundation of integrity, fairness and respect. Please encourage your family to vote for me. I ask for your vote during the primary election on May 6, 2008.
Sincerely,
Maria Granger
Please visit Maria's website, http://www.grangerforjudge.com/
