GREENFIELD — A political newcomer who’s hoping to join the city council says Greenfield needs to coordinate its growth with the county and surrounding towns.
George Plisinski II, 37, is running as a Republican for the District 3 seat on the Greenfield City Council. Plisinski is unopposed in the primary and has no competition so far for the general election. The former council member for the north side of Greenfield, Keely Butrum, chose not to run.
Plisinski, manager of telecom operations at NineStar Connect, has lived in Hancock County since 1987, and he moved to Greenfield in 2000. He said he would bring “youthful inspiration” to the city council.
In 2017, a Republican caucus elected Butrum over Plisinski for the council seat previously held by John Patton, who died in late 2016. Plisinski said he’s eager to have another chance to serve the city.
“I’m very happy with what the existing council and the mayor have done for Greenfield, and I think I can contribute as well,” he said.
Knowing how to control growth within Greenfield is a top priority for the council, Plisinski said. He added the city needs “synchronized growth” with city departments, community stakeholders and county officials. Future development not only affects Greenfield but the region, such as its workforce and traffic.
“What’s good for Greenfield is good for Hancock County is good for east central Indiana,” he said, adding the city council needs to make decisions that promote coordinated growth and not disruptive growth.
Plisinski said he’s enjoyed seeing recent quality-of-life improvements downtown along State Street and Main Street, adding he’d like to extend that revitalization to other areas, such as North Street. The city’s infrastructure, utilities and public safety would also be areas for him to focus on as a councilman. Plisinski said the city should also add more mixed-use development, combining residential with commercial uses.
Greenfield could also have more higher education opportunities such as technical and certification classes, Plisinski said. Several manufacturers call District 3 home: Keihin, Indiana Automotive Fasteners and BeijingWest Industries. Those companies need skilled workers, who would benefit from continuing education, he added.
Plisinski is also a member of Leadership Hancock County and the Hancock County Shrine Club.
[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”THE PLISINSKI FILE” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
Age: 37
Party: Republican
Occupation: Manager of telecom operations at NineStar Connect
Political experience: None
Family: Wife Joyce, two children
[sc:pullout-text-end]
