GREENFIELD — A city councilman who also serves as the Hancock County historian is running for re-election in a race that’s shaping up as a three-way competition for two at-large seats.
Joe Skvarenina, 70, has been on the Greenfield City Council since 2016, representing the entire city as an at-large councilman. Skvarenina, a 31-year resident of Greenfield, previously served on the Hancock County Council and the Center Township Advisory Committee.
He is perhaps best known for his work as a historian. He has written several books about local history and regularly makes presentations on a wide range of historical topics.
In his three-plus years on the city council, Skvarenina said he’s helped rein in city spending, focused on community revitalization projects and spoken in favor of the city’s continuing growth and development.
“I also recognize there is much more to be done,” Skvarenina wrote in a news release.
The Republican councilman said he’d like to find ways to provide more funding to the fire and police departments. The Greenfield Fire Territory is seriously understaffed and strapped for cash, a study last year concluded.
“I firmly believe that it is especially important to boost the amount of dollars we spend on the fire territory in order to provide adequate protection to our citizens,” Skvarenina said.
Skvarenina, who’s also past chairman of the Greenfield Area Chamber of Commerce board and who sits on the Greenfield Traffic Safety Committee and Historic Review Board, said he would like to help bring in new businesses and industries to Greenfield over the next four years, thus creating more jobs in the city. He also wants to continue improving city streets through paving projects.
“I firmly believe fiscal accountability, transparency and increased public safety are key issues for all voters,” Skvarenina wrote. “I am running for re-election so your voice can be heard and the decisions made are in the best interest of you.”
Skvarenina will face two other incumbents in the Republican primary for the city’s two at-large council seats: city council President Dan Riley and Councilman Mitch Pendlum, the current District 2 representative.
The primary will take place on May 7. Candidates can file to run in the election by Feb. 8.
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Age: 70
Occupation: Retired; serves as Hancock County historian
Political experience: Hancock County Council, Center Township Advisory Board
Family: Wife Cheryl, two children, six grandchildren
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