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Todd Sluder, newly elected Ward 1 alderperson, urges community service and small‑town growth
Summary
Todd Sluder, elected in May as alderperson for Ward 1 in Washington, spoke about his restoration‑industry background, local roots and priorities including sports, arts and small‑business vitality, and closed with a call for community kindness during the holidays.
Todd Sluder, alderperson for Ward 1, said he ran for office to "give back to Washington," describing mentors and family members who encouraged his campaign after he was elected in May.
Sluder, 38 in December, told the Moderator that his day job is as a project manager on the restoration side, handling storm, fire, water and mold recovery with a company that has expanded from a local firm into a larger response team. "We were known as Mendold, but we, merged into Blue Sky," he said, adding the company now deploys national teams to chase hurricanes.
Sluder emphasized Washington's community character—Friday night football, marching band, concerts and the downtown square—as a reason he wanted to serve. "To me, that's a giving back to Washington," he said, describing a hometown feel he wants to preserve while encouraging economic activity.
On resident outreach, Sluder highlighted a recurring forum he and another councilor host, "Let's Talk Ward 1," as a place for constituents to raise concerns. He said the sessions will continue roughly every other month and that the council welcomes both praise and problems brought forward during audience comment.
Sluder said he is excited about new small businesses coming to the square and wants to balance growth with a small‑town atmosphere. He raised the idea of facilities that could host sports, band and concert events—particularly useful during winter months—saying such spaces could expand community programming.
He also shared personal notes: he served a two‑year mission, attended local schools (WMS, Lincoln grade school and the local high school), and collects LEGO sets as a hobby. When asked for parting words, Sluder urged neighbors to "be inspired to do good" and to perform acts of kindness for those who may not have family gatherings during the holidays.
The interview focused on Sluder’s background, community priorities and outreach plans rather than formal council business; he did not announce any specific policy initiatives or motions during the conversation.
