I hope you will join me in voting for RoxannWedegartner for mayor in September’s preliminary election and November’s election. As the head of the Greenfield Business Association (2013-2016), I worked closely with Roxann on Greenfield’s Sustainable Master Plan, serving on the Economic Development Subcommittee and chairing the Natural, Historic, and Cultural Resources Subcommittee. I saw firsthand Roxann’s deep knowledge of economic development as it pertains specifically to Greenfield and also her strong ability to build consensus among people with differing opinions. She had and has concrete ideas for how to improve our city that are modern, practical, and attainable.
My experience with the GBA also put me in touch with business owners of all stripes, and I spoke at length with many of them about the challenges they face in our city. I have now been a business owner myself for the last three years and have seen many of these challenges firsthand. I know many of the issues that frustrate business owners here frustrate Roxann as well; that she hears the complaints, understands, and is ready to make changes to the status quo that will improve the business climate and encourage the expansion of existing businesses as well as the development of new businesses.
I know one way to attract new business is to be able to attract new employees, and to do that, I know we need a strong school department. Strong schools benefit a town in numerous ways, and as the parent of a seventh-grader, it benefits me personally as well. I feel our schools are on a really good track and that Roxann has the experience and ability to make them even stronger and ensure they stay that way. I look forward to casting my vote for Roxann on Sept. 10.
Caitlin von Schmidt
Greenfield