Why are you the best candidate for office?
I came to Indiana with the American Cancer Society over 35 years ago. When it was time to retire, I knew Greenfield was where I wanted to stay. This is my home. I have served on the Hancock County Council. I was elected to the Center Township Advisory Committee and served as president. I have been a Republican precinct committeeman for over 30 years, and I serve on the central committee as political director. I have been very active as a volunteer in the community. I am the current Hancock County historian and immediate past chairman of the Greenfield Chamber of Commerce board.
What is the most pressing issue facing Greenfield?
We need to strengthen and further develop our excellent police and fire protection. I want us to pave more streets, by finding additional matching funding opportunities like Community Crossing grants and other creative means of funding. I believe in adding more amenities and other cultural attractions for citizens and visitors. We need to encourage people who work in Greenfield to live in Greenfield by providing a variety of housing options. I believe developers need to plan for pocket parks within new housing additions.
Some city officials have stated Greenfield needs more apartments and townhouses for current and future residents who cannot afford to own an existing home or build a new home. How should the city balance the need for single-family homes and multi-family residences?
I think Greenfield needs a variety of affordable single-family homes along with some multi-family opportunities. We have to appeal to everyone, especially when talking to folks who work in our city yet they don’t live here. The home market will determine the best course to take — and we need to take action on it.
The Greenfield Fire Territory is understaffed, union members say, and the city is paying for a consultant to assess the department’s needs. How would you propose funding new employees and additional fire services?
I would like to see the study in order to make an informed judgment. To increase the allocation for the fire territory, we will have to have a referendum with Greenfield and Center Township voters. We will need to consider property tax caps. The city currently allocates Local Option Income Tax funds to the fire territory to pay for benefits. I don’t favor decreasing services in any way.
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Name: Joe Skvarenina
Age: 71
Party: Republican
Office sought: Greenfield City Council At-Large
Occupation: Retired
Political experience: Greenfield City Council At-Large; Hancock County Council; Center Township Advisory Board President; Republican Precinct Committeeman; Central Committee Political Affairs
Family: Wife Cheryl, two children, six grandchildren
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