Bentley Declares Mayoral Candidacy
Councilman Matthew Bentley announced his intentions to run at the Council's meeting Monday night
City Hall—Councilman Matthew Bentley announced that he is running for mayor at the Hillsdale’s City Council’s meeting Monday night.
Bentley, who was elected to office unopposed in Ward II in November, replacing Cynthia Pratt, announced his candidacy to the Council and those in attendance. After a contentious debate, Council scheduled the August special election in order to fill the seat left open by former Hillsdale Mayor Adam Stockford, who resigned in November.
“As a courtesy to my fellow councilmen, I would like to announce that I intend to run for Mayor of Council in August,” Bentley announced at the tail end of Monday’s three-hour meeting.
The Ward II Councilman told the Hillsdalian that his focus is stopping the addition of bike lanes to Broad Street, which may be a part of the city’s “road diet” plans.
“Hillsdale does not want or need bike lanes,” he suggested, citing popular opposition to bike lanes at January’s road diet meeting.
According to Bentley, the lack of clarity about the status of road diet plans has only added to the people’s frustration.
“The bike lane public hearing was some six weeks ago,” he continued. “We were told that council would be briefed on the new plan and that there would be another public hearing and a vote in council about whether to apply for a grant. None of that seems to be the case.”
He also noted that he sees the mayor’s role as representing the residents of Hillsdale and not special interests.
“My job on council is to give voice to the will of the people,” Bentley added.
Jacob Bruns
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