Matthews
One of the Democrats vying for the Greenwood Common Council’s three at-large seats this fall wants to make sure everyone in the city is represented on the council.
Rachel Matthews, a political newcomer, says she’s always had a heart for service. A member of the currently underepresented Democratic party, Matthews’ primary goal would be to “give a voice to those who have felt previously overlooked,” she said.
The city had low voter turnout during the May primary, and Matthews believes this is because there was no Democratic representation, she said.
“I want to be a voice for people who aren’t voting because of this,” Matthews said.
Matthews is one of six candidates vying for the seat. Republican Incumbents Mike Campbell, who has held one of the seats since 2012, and Erin Betron, who joined the council in February after being selected in a caucus, are asking voters to keep them in office. Joining them are Republican Steve Moan, a former school board member and current member of the city’s redevelopment commission; Libertarian James Sceniak, a former U.S. Senate candidate; and political newcomer Democrat Charrie Staumbaugh.
To help voters make their decision in the at-large city council race, the Daily Journal asked the candidates their takes on issues facing the city. Answers for all the other candidates except for Matthews, who had not yet responded, ran last month. Those answers can be found by going online to dailyjournal.net/local/elections.
As for Matthews, here’s what she said, edited for length, clarity and grammar:
What, to you, are the most pressing issues facing the city?
A: I have lived in Greenwood for the last 18 years. In that time frame, I have seen the city continually grow in population and size. One of the biggest issues is keeping up with that growth; does our current infrastructure and public safety system have the stability and capability needed to support the additional residents and the strain that puts on our city’s resources? I feel that plans need to be put in place that not only address the issues the city is facing today, but those that will also look to the future and have us prepared as Greenwood continues to grow.
What do you think the city council should do to address public safety?
A: Public safety should be a top priority for the council. Although the council’s hands are tied in many respects due to state laws, I believe they should work closely with the officials that determine budgetary needs to address the inadequacies in our funding. This would include collaborating with each city department to determine the top needs. The growth of the city lends a host of issues that need to be taken into account: staffing concerns, location of stations, equipment needs, etc.
How should Greenwood approach growth?
A: The key to Greenwood managing its growth is to approach the situation proactively. We need to not only address issues that we are facing at our current size, but also those that we will continue to see as our growth increases. The steps we take today to rectify our infrastructure and public safety concerns should be building blocks that will serve as the blueprint for making changes in the future. Many see the growth Greenwood is experiencing negatively; however, the focus should be on the positive impacts this has on our city. I am proud to be raising my children in Greenwood during this time of growth and am excited to see where it will be by the time they are adults.
How do you feel about additional development of warehouses and logistics facilities?
A: I know there are a lot of mixed feelings and differing opinions on these additional developments. While the positives of continued growth of these facilities are innumerable — increased job potential, attracting new residents, increased revenue for the city, etc. — it is important that we ensure that the negatives do not outweigh them or affect the quality of life of our current residents. I believe the council can take steps to make both sides of the issue happy. It is important the city does not place revenue over its residents.
How should tax abatements be used by the city?
A: Tax abatements can be very beneficial when they are utilized properly. Incentivizing a company to invest in Greenwood, for example in a location where no one else wants to, is a positive move for the city, but it is important that these prospective abatements are vetted properly. I do not believe there is a one-step approval process for these abatements and that many factors need to be considered. What are they bringing to Greenwood? Job growth, rate of pay for employees, sustainability; will this draw in families that will put money back into our economy? Greenwood residents need to see that we have both the city and their best interests at heart.
ABOUT THE JOB
What: Greenwood City Council At-Large
Term: Four years
Pay: $13,058 a year (2024)
Duties: Set annual spending for the city, make policy changes, adopt new local rules and ordinances, approve new taxes, appoint members to various city boards.
THE MATTHEWS FILE
Name: Rachel Matthews
Party: Democrat
Age: 38
Family: Three children
Occupation: Self-employed, Rachel Rene Designs LLC; Smocktown Brewery
Education: Baptist Academy, Indianapolis; Crown College, Powell, Tennessee
Political experience: None
Memberships: Whiteland High School Marching Boosters
