We Can Have Leaders That Put The Town’s Needs Above Their Own

My name is John Greaves, and I’m running for Clark Town Council for no other reason than to build a better community for my family. Clark is where I’ve chosen to invest in the future for my wife and 2 children, and I can no longer stand by as the current leadership risks everything we’ve worked for. I never planned to run for office, and honestly I’m not excited about all the work it will take, but I am determined to see the job done. Right now, the council is not getting the job done. The council has been silent when it mattered most, allowing misconduct and poor decisions to cost Clark taxpayers millions of dollars. This is failed leadership that doesn’t act in the best interests of our town.

I see a council that doesn’t think independently and works based on what the mayor wants, not what the town needs. I decided to step up when I saw how developers were handed 30-year tax breaks that add nothing to the school budget, leaving homeowners to shoulder more of the school tax burden. One of these developments, a 178 unit apartment complex on Walnut Avenue, even adds 28 students to our schools. This is not only unfair to the taxpayer, it’s also unfair to our teachers and students. If we use incentives it should be when the benefits outweigh the costs and the development makes Clark more of a community for its residents, not a haven for big business. Otherwise builders and developers can simply pay the regular tax rate, just like homeowners and local businesses do.

I want to see process restored to the council. The council must function as a check on the mayor’s power, but right now, it’s not doing that. They have shown by actions and even openly admitted in council meetings that they don’t do research or consider opinions beyond those of the mayor and business administrator. That’s not how local government should work. We need leaders who are willing to stand up, ask tough questions, and make independent, well-informed decisions. More importantly, transparency has been missing in this process. Residents deserve to know what’s happening in their government. The lack of openness has eroded trust, and I’m running to restore that trust by making our government accountable again.

I bring the experience, work ethic, and perspective needed to get the job done. As a self-taught software developer and small business owner for over 15 years, I know how to solve complex problems and negotiate fair deals. I’m also a licensed attorney with a strong background in science from my undergraduate studies in Biology. My education and work experience give me the tools to tackle the many challenges a town like Clark faces. More importantly, as a father of two young boys, I know what it means to put the needs of others before my own.

If elected I will serve not only with strength but also integrity and respect for our residents. Strength is more than big talk and being aggressive. It means enduring difficult situations with grace and building people up instead of breaking them down. I will make sure that any new development serves the people of Clark and work tirelessly to reverse our schools’ declining rankings. I will bring transparency to our local government and make sure that every decision is made with the residents in mind. Using my expertise in technology I will enhance the efficiency of tasks in local government and also to make more information available to the public through the town web site. I will be an independent voice, standing up even to my own party, and keeping residents informed every step of the way. I’m committed to restoring trust and responsibility within the council, fighting for fairness for taxpayers, and working hard to see that Clark remains a place where families can thrive.

The choice in this election is simple: Do we continue down the path of silence, mismanagement, and misplaced priorities, or do we choose strong, independent leadership that puts our community first? I am ready to serve with honesty, integrity, and a commitment to doing what’s right for Clark. I humbly ask for your support as we build a Stronger Clark.