Elected – not appointed – representation
To the editor:
Elected – not appointed – representation. That’s what voting yes for Issue 4 means for residents of the Village of Greenfield.
While active voting is ongoing and we are soon approaching Nov. 5th, it's important to reflect on the positive impact that this ballot initiative and community support has made. November 6 will arrive, and we’ll still be neighbors, customers and friends in this community we love.
The Greenfield Reform Group was formed because the people of this village had grave concerns about the leadership of this village, and the Village Council, who were not interested in understanding or wanting to address the concerns presented.
To get a referendum on the ballot for the Village of Greenfield, it only needed 8% of the last general election total voters. This meant collecting 89 signatures. We determined as a group that we didn’t want bare minimum, but to show our representation we have a strong backing to the concerns. We collected over 300 signatures with the help of six amazing volunteers.
We even presented these signatures to Council, which dismissed it as it not being enough to show there is concerns. We had this referendum certified by the Board of Elections for a special election, that the council did everything possible to stop, move and deflect from occurring. Fighting against the will of the people.
For the people. By the people. That’s what Issue 4 is about. Getting back to the federal plan that is a mayor-based government that has check and balances to representation.
This movement also arose from current and former employees sharing their experiences, often describing how speaking up to the work environment led to more hostility, with council members ignoring their voices.
It’s for the many potential and present businesses and residents who experienced frustration with home improvement projects, zoning issues, and permit challenges, feeling as though our village was run like a restrictive HOA, with no room for resident input.
It’s about serious infrastructure and water issues go unaddressed but our water bills doubling. Leadership’s approach has often implied they’re smarter than we uneducated that can’t understand their plans and dismissed our concerns.
Since the start of the year, we’ve achieved so much together, even after the special election was moved to November. All this progress has been made because we stood united.
While some may vote against a mayoral form of governance, that’s OK. Progress has occurred despite opposition, because this is about our entire village, not just a few voices. The fact that we’ve made it this far, that this choice is in voters’ hands, is already a significant victory.
Voting “Yes” will ensure that local leadership once again becomes an elected representation. Both sides share a love for this village and a desire for its success. We’ve made a difference already, and together, we’ll keep making one.
Sincerely,
Amie Ernst