Meet Mike Vanderver: A New Perspective for Greenville
"I didn't inherit Greenville—I chose it."
Mike Vanderver represents a fresh voice and a new energy for Greenville. While he wasn’t born here, Mike and his wife, Haylea, chose this community as the perfect place to build a home and raise their kids. He is running for Mayor not because of tradition, but because he believes in Greenville’s future.
Experience That Matters Mike isn't a career politician; he is a career public servant. He brings a unique set of professional skills that Greenville needs right now:
First Responder: As an AEMT with Muhlenberg County EMS and a firefighter, Mike understands public safety from the ground up. He doesn’t just talk about safety; he has lived it on our front lines.
Grant Writer & Liaison: Mike has professional experience as a Community Liaison and Grant Writer. He knows how to navigate red tape to bring state and federal funding back to our city—saving local taxpayers money.
Management & Teaching Background: As an EMS State Instructor and a former manager and trainer in the logistics industry, Mike knows how to lead teams and manage complex operations. He understands that running a city requires clear communication, efficient resource planning, and the ability to train and motivate a workforce.
A Vision for Tomorrow Mike believes Greenville needs leadership that looks forward, not backward. He is dedicated to working with the City Council to modernize our infrastructure, support our first responders, and revitalize our downtown economy.
Mike Vanderver: A New Voice. A Public Servant. A Mayor for All of Us.
First, we must support those who protect us. As a First Responder myself, I know that our police officers, firefighters, and EMTs are the backbone of our community. But we cannot expect them to stay if they can’t support their families. I will work with the City Council to improve pay and benefits so we can stop losing our best people to bigger cities. We need to recruit the best and keep the best. We will also pass a 'Safety Modernization Plan' to update their equipment and training. We will ensure our heroes have the livelihood they deserve and the tools they need to go home safe.
"Second, we need to stop sending our money out of town. Currently, we pay private companies to handle our waste. I am proposing we form our very own City of Greenville Sanitation Department. Why? Because instead of paying a private company to profit off us, that revenue should stay right here. We will create local jobs for local people, and the revenue generated will go right back into paving our streets and fixing our sidewalks. It’s common sense: keep our tax dollars working for us."
Third, we must give ALL our kids a safe place to grow. As a father of a special needs child, I know firsthand how difficult it can be to find safe, accessible places for children to play and socialize. I will use my background as a Grant Writer to secure funding for a dedicated Youth Community Center. I’m talking about a safe, inclusive space where kids of all abilities can go after school to study, play, and just hang out safely. We need a space that keeps them off the streets and ensures no child in Greenville is left behind."
"Fourth, we must bridge the divide with our neighbors. For too long, Greenville and Central City have operated like islands. That ends with my administration. I intend to work closely with the Mayor of Central City to solve problems that affect all of Muhlenberg County. Whether it’s attracting new industries or fighting the drug epidemic, we are stronger when we stand together."
Finally, Small businesses are the heartbeat of our community. They define our neighborhoods, sponsor our little leagues, and provide the majority of our local jobs. Yet, high barriers to entry and lack of capital are stifling our potential. My plan focuses on two simple tools—smart tax incentives and accessible loans—to unlock a new era of prosperity for our town.
Have questions or suggestions? I would love to hear from you!
Campaign Headquarters
111 Walnut St, Greenville, KY 42345, USA