With early voting set to begin this month, Russell Harvey is asking voters for another term representing Greencastle's Ward 1.
The Democratic incumbent is facing a challenge from Republican David Mastern, who served on council from 1996-2000.
Harvey was named to the city council earlier this year by the county's Democratic Party when First Ward Greencastle City Councilman Adam Cohen stepped down, citing health issues.
Public service is nothing new for Harvey, who currently serves as executive director of Main Street and was appointed previously to the Greencastle School Board by the city council.
"I love this community. I've been blessed to serve in various capacities over the years, most recently on the Greencastle School Board. I was like many of us and having discussions about things I like and don't like. Frankly, I got tired of talking and figured that I should put more action to my conversations," Harvey told The Putnam County Post as to why he is running for office.
Having served on council since March, Harvey has opinions on what the biggest issues facing the city of Greencastle are.
"Some might say roads/infrastructure. Some green space. Others schools or parking. All of those are priorities and need continued focus. For me? It's drugs and mental health, along with affordable housing. We have to continue to work with our mental health facilities and law enforcement to provide better resources for those in the gaps. Proper support and funding for our emergency services to better engage these situations. Finding relief for our facilities that are at capacity, and awareness of our needs. In regards to housing, I believe it's a basic human right. While building a better community, we have to focus on these things. Housing isn't an easy challenge. That's why we need collaborative approaches from local leadership. It takes being innovative and taking a look at zoning where possible, use of TIF dollars and reimaging existing structures and places to build new ones. However, the key isn't just housing, the focus should be on affordable housing. We need opportunities for both renters and first time home buyers, both of which, in turn, assist in building a better community," Harvey said.
Harvey said he wants residents to know he is a community member like everyone else.
"I was a single dad for many years. I'm now a part of a blended family. I've worked hard, physical jobs and some not so tough. I know what it's like to need assistance, and I know what it's like to have enough. Daycare struggles and all of the things families deal with, good and bad. I don't have a longstanding family name here, just hard work and building community. I get what it's like for families in a way that I'm sure some local officials don't, I'm not always right, but I sure try hard to do right. That's why I'm passionate about serving. Community built me, and I hope that I can contribute to building others. I hope the people will support me in that vision," Harvey said.
With early voting starting Oct. 11, Harvey said he is hopeful people vote for him because of his track record of living what he speaks.
"I also want to truly represent the people. No party, no agenda, and, certainly, not just my own thoughts and opinions. We're losing sight of "We the People." We lose sight of that at a local level sometimes, even though it directly affects our friends and neighbors of all walks. I don't want just my voice heard. I want to represent my friends and neighbors in the 1st Ward of Greencastle. We have work to do. We need leadership that's willing to think outside the box, yet still maintaining fiscal responsibility. Roads and various infrastructure will happen. A lot of that is standard territory, even with different approaches to the end result. The piece often missing is building community around those things. Creating a sense of pride, even when it provides temporary inconveniences. It's clear and transparent communication. It's encouraging community involvement and input. We the People make it better and without leaders that encourage that, the status quo prevails. I just hope the people will help me bring that vision to life. Early voting starts Oct. 11- Nov. 6. Election Day is Nov. 7. Please get out and vote. It's our right, and should be our privilege," Harvey said.
Get the most recent Putnam County Post headlines delivered to your email. Go to putnamcountypost.com and click on the free daily email signup link at the top of the page.
