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Phillip Wiedower, a member of the city’s Zoning Board of Appeals, is running for Decatur City Commission District 2.

Incumbent Commissioner Brian Smith will not seek reelection. The Decatur city elections are Nov. 5.

“Brian has been serving our community for many years in various positions, from President of the Winnona Park Neighborhood Association to the Zoning Board of Appeals and now the current City Commissioner representing District 2,” Wiedower said in his campaign announcement. “In each position, he listened to the needs and concerns of neighbors like you and acted in the best interest of the community. I have known Brian for many years and greatly respect his work and commitment to the city of Decatur.  It will be difficult for anyone to fill his place, but I would be honored to follow in his footsteps should I be elected on November 5, 2019 to serve the citizens of District 2 as their next City Commissioner.”

Wiedower is an Implementation Practice Lead for software company Ventiv Technologies. Ventiv develops products in the Risk and Insurance market.

He said, “The Eagle Scout in me has led to consistently volunteering in our community even prior to becoming a resident.”

“While my wife was a teacher in the City Schools of Decatur, I became involved with Safe Routes to School the first year College Heights joined the program,” Wiedower said. “I later became the PTA President for two years and Treasurer where I gained firsthand knowledge about specific issues that effect our schools.  Acknowledging the financial challenges of some of our neighbors, while I was President of the PTA, I worked with the Decatur Education Foundation to establish a scholarship program to cover the cost of aftercare for lower income families.”

Wiedower said he values the diversity, culture and community of Decatur.

“Decatur has experienced significant growth over the last 10 years, and we need to prepare for the future and the inevitable continued growth while at the same time preserve what makes Decatur special,” he said. “My time volunteering with the Decatur Police Department’s C.A.P.S. (Citizens Assisting Public Safety) and currently serving on the city’s Zoning Board of Appeals have provided me an opportunity to understand the community’s concerns regarding the cities growth and the effect it has on traffic, safety and our schools.”

The city will soon begin creating its 2020 strategic plan, he notes. The strategic plan for the city, last updated in 2010, guides the city’s “policy, funding and programming decisions,” according to the city’s website.

“This is an important process that I encourage everyone to take part in the various public forums to ensure your concerns are heard,” Wiedower said. “As your next City Commissioner, I will listen and ensure the plan that is approved represents the best interest of the community to ensure Decatur remains the amazing place that it is to live, work and play. I look forward to speaking with you more to discuss your concerns in the coming weeks.”

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