Former Mount Pleasant Trustee Running to Improve Quality of Life for Residents

Editor's Note: Candidates for Mount Pleasant Village Board were asked the same questions, and their answers will run as separate stories on Mount Pleasant-Sturtevant Patch. The election is Tues., April 5. 

John Hewitt has served on the Mount Pleasant Village Board off and on for a number of years, but has retained his position on the Parks committee because good recreation space is an important factor in a good quality of life for residents. Though he lost the last election, it is by request of residents that he's throwing his hat into the ring again.

Why are you running for Trustee?

I really care about Mount Pleasant and the issues facing the village with budgets. Also, I'm unhappy with some of the things going on, and so many residents have asked me to run again because of my experience and dedication to quality of life issues like parks.

What is the primary issue facing Mount Pleasant?

Taxes and the balance between realistic service costs and the village's revenue streams. People want and need basic services like police and fire, but they also need good road conditions and ways to enjoy life. There has to be a balance in spending.

Why do you love living in Mount Pleasant?

We have a great variety of neighborhoods, and I think everyone would say they have friendly neighbors. Mount Pleasant also has a lot of different kinds of development. It's nice to see the diversity of growth here. We also have a safe community that's convenient to shops both locally and in either direction on I-94.