Candidate Q&A: Jeff Mardis

Jeff Mardis is running for Cambridge City, Indiana Town Council, District 5 as a Republican candidate in the 2023 general election.

2023 Election Guide

The Western Wayne News asked candidates in contested races for the Nov. 7 general election the same nine questions.

1. What are two specific reasons you decided to run for this office? (100 words or less.)
2. If elected/re-elected, what are your top three priorities for your time in office? (150 words or less.)
3. What are two specific skills you would bring to the office to benefit constituents, if elected/re-elected? (100 words or less.)
4. What’s one aspect of the government body you’re seeking to join or lead that you think is working well and should continue? (100 words or less.)
5. What’s one aspect of the body you’re seeking to join or lead that you think needs to change, and what specific action(s) would you pursue to change it? (100 words or less.)
6. Will you accept the results of the election process even if you are not elected/re-elected? (50 words or less.)
7. Beyond encouraging attendance at public meetings, how do you plan to involve residents in decision making processes that the office you seek is a part of? (100 words or less.)
8. If you received a $5 million grant to improve our community any way you wanted, what would you do with it and why? (150 words or less.)
9. Any other comments you’d like to share about your candidacy? (150 words or less.)

Candidates were given a month’s time to respond with a firm deadline. We share their answers, unedited from their original form, here and in our print editions.

For full election coverage, visit the Western Wayne News 2023 Election Guide.

Reasons: I am running because I care about Cambridge City, as a life long resident, I want to help ensure we are headed in the right direction. Also, I have helped with the new water system since the beginning of phase 1, and I would like to see it finished.

Priorities: I have been on council for eight years, and I want to make sure our achivements contiue. I would also like to see more changes in the future for the betterment of Cambridge City.

1. Water projects in town and the industrial park
2. Bringing our park back to quality standards
3. To help ensure the City is budgeting funds for needed items.

Skills: I bring eight years of experience to the council. My background in finance and management are just a couple of assets I bring to council.

Needs changing: The continuation of our water project.

I would like to see our council create and follow a budget, which truly helps the citizens and the town. I believe we currently have a tendancy to not focus on the budget laid in front of us.

Accepting results: I will accept whatever the voters decide.

Involving residents: Being a part of different organizations and listening to the citizens of Cambridge City, I have a good idea as to the issues and problems facing our community. I receive a lot of feedback from just being involved.

$5 million: I would use such grant funds to help with the water project. I would also use some funds on blight housing and park renovations.

Other: no response