Why are you the best candidate for office?
In my past 12 years of service to our city, I’ve worked with our mayors, department managers and other council members and have gained a great deal of experience in all facets of city government. I’ve also worked with many citizens and businesses in addition to those in my district, and I believe this experience has prepared me to serve Greenfield as a City Council At Large. My decisions are based on what is best for our citizens on all topics: public safety, our infrastructure, our utilities, our city employees and the budgets needed to support all in a balanced manner.
What is the most pressing issue facing Greenfield?
I believe our most pressing issue is our readiness for growth. We must effectively plan and budget for our city’s needs in the short and long term with respect to public safety, housing, jobs and infrastructure. These areas will require significant planning time and funding as well as the necessity to work closely with the county, state and federal government to take advantage of all grants and matching funds available.
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?
There will continue to be a delicate balance of needs in the housing market. Our city officials must work closely with local Realtors to have a pulse on the local market and be in tune with consumer demand. The city should have 5-, 10-, 15- and 20-year housing growth plans to ensure that the development is in sync with our infrastructure support and plans.
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 do fully believe that additional resources are needed, but I feel that a review of the consultant’s findings is needed prior to development of a funding solution.
[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”Mitch Pendlum” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
Name: Mitch Pendlum
Age: 70
Party: Republican
Office sought: Greenfield City Council At-Large
Occupation: Retired from NineStar Connect
Political experience: Greenfield City Council District 2, 12 years
Family: Wife Carol, three children, five grandchildren
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