GREENFIELD — An incumbent city councilman who spent three terms representing parts of eastern Greenfield now hopes to represent all residents if elected to a fourth term.
Mitch Pendlum, 70, is running in this spring’s primary Republican race for one of two at-large seats on the Greenfield City Council. Pendlum, the District 2 representative since 2008, has worked with three Greenfield mayors, served on several committees and formed relationships with many citizens and businesses leaders in his district as well as throughout the city during his three terms.
“I feel like it’s my duty to step up and feel like I’m serving the whole city," Pendlum said.
Pendlum will run against at-large Republican councilmen Joe Skvarenina and Dan Riley in the May election — the only contested race on the ballot so far, according to the Hancock County Election Office. This is only the second time in seven city council primary or general elections in which Pendlum has faced opposition.
A native of Greenfield, Pendlum said the city has provided him all he’s needed in life: an education, a wife, a safe home for his family and a hometown he takes pride in.
“I want to see the citizens get the same opportunities that I’ve had through job creation, growing city economy and protecting our citizens," he said.
Pendlum, a Marine and Vietnam War veteran, said it takes integrity, commitment and compassion to serve on the city council. In his three terms, Pendlum said he’s helped balance the city’s budget, prepared the city for future growth and enacted ordinances focused on the needs of citizens.
"I’ve accomplished a great deal," he said," but there’s still a lot to be done. I want to use my time and talent to move Greenfield forward."
Pendlum said improving public safety is his top priority. He wants enough police and fire protection in Greenfield to line up with growth expectations, and said he’ll work to improve budgets and equipment for both departments as they deal with drug-related issues in the city. Pendlum said he also wants neighborhood crime watches to form and install extra lighting and security cameras in town.
Greenfield also needs more recreational activities in city parks as well as newer trails and sidewalks that connect to the Pennsy Trail and promote more safe routes for kids, Pendlum said.
Pendlum has spent time as a member of the Hancock County Mental Health Board, Hancock County Veterans Park Board, Greenfield Indiana Kiwanis, Greenfield Honor Guard, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Marine Corps League and Greenfield in Bloom. He’s also been a Republican precinct committeeman and vice committeeman and drives local veterans to the hospital.
“My compassion toward Greenfield is just never ending," Pendlum said. "I can never pay them back to what they gave to me.”
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Age: 70
Party: Republican
Occupation: Retired from NineStar Connect
Political experience: Greenfield City Council since 2008
Family: Wife Carol, three sons, five grandchildren
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