Why are you the best candidate for office?
I believe I am the best man for the job. I have a strong work ethic and a passion for public service. I want to ensure my son has a safe place to live and grow up. I am the voice of the younger generation — the one who will be making decisions years from now.
What is the most pressing issue facing Greenfield?
I believe we as a city need to improve the quality of life, and my goal is to start that conversation. For instance, State Road 9 is used as a walking path by both kids and adults, and I would like to see signaled crosswalks put in for improved safety. I want us to energize building owners to invest in our city by filling the empty storefronts to give people more options when running errands. I want to enhance the accessibility in our city to bring in families and promote growth.
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 believe we need more living options in the city. I prefer townhomes and apartment complexes — these give folks a safe option to rent in if they do not want to purchase. This is opposed to a single-family home converted to a multi-family unit. It seems my district has more homes for rent than for sale, and it brings down property value. We need to create living options that appeal to all families and budgets.
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?
Once the consultant’s report is returned and reviewed, we can determine what area needs assistance within the department. We can apply for grants to help offset the costs, create a stricter budget (possibly reworking current development plans) and if all else fails, find a way to align with other neighboring communities’ tax rates.
[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”Thomas Lopez” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
Name: Thomas Lopez
Age: 28
Party: Republican
Office sought: Greenfield City Council District 2
Occupation: EMT for Seals Ambulance, EMT and firefighter for Fountaintown Fire Department
Political experience: Republican Precinct Committeeman, three years
Family: Wife Sarah, one son
[sc:pullout-text-end]
