GREENFIELD — The lone Democrat eyeing a seat on the Greenfield City Council says he will provide a different perspective than those on the current seven-person GOP board if elected in November.
Chris Beushausen, 33, will run against incumbent Republican councilman Gary McDaniel for the District 1 spot on the city council. Both Beushausen and McDaniel have no opposition in the May 7 primary.
After Beushausen spent seven years in the Army, which included a deployment to Iraq from 2004 to 2005, he moved to Indianapolis and lived there until 2013. Beushausen, a deputy with the Marion County Sheriff’s Department, then moved to Greenfield because of its growth potential and friendly atmosphere.
“I kind of fell in love with the homey feeling of Greenfield,” he said.
Now five years into being a Greenfield resident, the Democrat is aiming to get involved in local politics.
“We haven’t had a voice in the city. It’s strictly Republican,” he said.
Beushausen has a 10-point plan for his city council campaign. He wants to focus on infrastructure improvements, such as widening Jaycie Phelps Road and redoing its intersections with East New Road and East McKenzie Road, developing a bypass around Greenfield and beautifying State Road 9.
He also would push for the city to build a new fire station in his district on the east side of town; invest city dollars and collaborate with local businesses to build new playgrounds and bike paths in Riley Park; hire more police officers; and rehab historic homes that have fallen into disrepair along Main Street.
Beushausen said Greenfield officials need to figure out ways to attract new businesses to the city that aren’t just fast food restaurants. He also said a new retailer should move into the old Marsh Supermarket and the city should create more retail districts closer to neighborhoods in District 1.
“I think in order to get people to live and move into the community, you have to open up other opportunities like retail you don’t see elsewhere, major restaurants, just attracting new business and commerce,” Beushausen said.
Beushausen said he would focus on not overspending taxpayer dollars and would spend time listening to the wants and needs of residents.
“I feel like I’d be the voice of what people want and actually listen to their concerns,” he said, “because I’ve noticed there have been some areas that have been neglected over the years.”
Even though Beushausen is a Democrat in a mostly conservative city, he said voters need to put ideas above party and choose the person who will put the people first.
“I don’t think people should look at the labels of Republican and Democrat,” he added. “They need to look at what the person’s running for. That’s what a lot of voters miss.”
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Age: 33
Party: Democrat
Occupation: Marion County sheriff’s deputy
Political experience: None
Family: Fiance Maria, four children
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