Name: Dan Riley
Age: 73
Party: Republican
Office sought: Greenfield City Council At-Large
Occupation: Retired, director, Data Systems, Lilly Endowment
Political experience: Elected three terms Greenfield-Central School Board, two terms Greenfield City Council, Indiana State House Young Republicans, Bowen for Governor Staff 1972, state convention delegate, vice precinct committeeman
Family: Wife, Rebecca; one child, two grandchildren
Why are you running for office?
We will have a new mayor and some new council members. The general tax rate has decreased from $2.68 to $2.18 under Mayor Fewell. Net assessed value for the city was about $740 million 10 years ago. Today it is about $1.2 billion. We need experienced councilmen to prepare the budget and work with the new mayor on important issues to continue the success of Greenfield. We need continuity in economic development. I currently serve as an executive board member and secretary of the Hancock Economic Development Council.
How are you qualified?
Twelve years on school board, overseeing the budget and personnel, and a building program.
Twelve years on the parks board overseeing all aspects of the parks including the completion of Pennsy Trail, opening Bechenholt Park, and acquiring additional land.
Eight years on the council serving as president multiple times. Co-chaired the budget committee, liaison with the county. Main Street and the Riley Festival, Recycle Hancock County boards. I have been asked to do these things and elected because I can craft decisions, develop compromise and consensus, and find effective solutions.
What are the most pressing issues facing Greenfield?
Managing growth, improving amenities for current and new residents, attracting new people to live and work here, improving and modernizing our utilities capacity and efficiency, improve our streets, keep our budget within the income, and maintain our excellent fire and police departments, We need to assure good quality development.
Do you support increasing the tax rate for the Greenfield Fire Protection Territory? Why or why not?
The FPT tax passed unanimously in council and Center Township Advisory Board. The territory operates at a deficit. We need to shore up their finances. We need to plan for future needs of the fire territory.
