GREENFIELD — A two-term city councilman representing the far east side of Greenfield could run unopposed in the Republican primary this spring but have an opponent in the general election.
Gary McDaniel, 57, is seeking his third term as the District 1 representative on the Greenfield City Council. McDaniel currently has no Republican competition set for the May primary. A Democrat, Christopher Beushausen, has filed to run against McDaniel in November, according to the Hancock County Election Office.
McDaniel, who was first elected to the council in 2012, said he’s focused on the future of Greenfield, making the phrase his campaign motto. His top priorities on the council are to sufficiently fund city services and public safety, further economic development and remain fiscally responsible with taxpayer money.
During his two years as council president in 2016 and 2017, McDaniel said the city approved a tax abatement for BeijingWest Industries — an $80 million investment creating 440 jobs; built a solar farm on the city’s west side; added a splash pad at the Riley Park Pool; and made a city grants committee.
McDaniel said the city council during his two terms has voted to correct flooding issues of Potts Ditch; secure grants for downtown facade renovations; renovate the north district fire station; establish road paving strategies; and start the first phase of multiple beautification projects at Interstate 70 and State Road 9.
McDaniel also chaired the city’s budget committee; created the budget review committee; and has been a member of the Greenfield Plan Commission, the Hancock Economic Development Board and the Hancock Solid Waste Board. He also serves as the president of the Oak Commons Homeowners Association.
“When I first ran for office, I wanted to give those in my district a voice on the Greenfield Common Council,” McDaniel wrote in a news release. “Now, I give all hard-working people a voice. I work alongside these people every day, and I have a unique prospective on their wants, needs and dreams for this city. I am focused on the future, and want to continue to serve the residents of Greenfield.”
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Age: 57
Party: Republican
Political experience: Greenfield City Council since 2012; past member of the Center Township Advisory Committee
Occupation: Technical associate, Keihin IPT Mfg. LLC
Family: Wife Michelle, three children
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