Incumbent Maria Jones, who is endorsed by the Democratic Party, is being challenged by Grant Olson, who is endorsed by the Republican Party. The Post-Journal asked each candidate four questions.

Question: What can the City Council do to encourage neighborhood improvement efforts on the part of landlords and tenants in Jamestown?

Jones: Neighborhood improvement efforts will require improved relationships between landlords and their tenants. To achieve this, each must understand the other’s needs. The City Council’s Housing Committee could provide a forum for these groups to design a sustainable process that would allow for discussions and actions.

Olson: It could be as simple as something like my neighborhood improvement project last month. We gathered 10 neighbors together and painted an entire house in one day. I’ve spoke on this before and I really think that we need to re-establish some Jamestown pride in our neighborhoods. I’m not saying to go paint your neighbors house, but maybe shovel their walk or mow their yard if they are unable. Holding slumlords accountable for their properties is a must. Enforcing the rental registration will help the good landlords and drive out poor ones. Also, allocating more resources to our code enforcement team will help us clean up our city.

Grant Olson

Question: If money was no object, what policies or programs would you pursue to bring more businesses to downtown Jamestown or encourage additional foot traffic at downtown businesses?

Jones: I would increase investments in programs supporting new downtown businesses and the expansion of existing businesses. I would make available business professionals and educational resources to help business owners understand the challenges of maintaining and growing a successful brick and mortar business. Also, I would support more special events that draw people into the downtown area.

Olson: With an unlimited budget, I would love to draw a huge Target or other brick and mortar store downtown. More realistically, I think our downtown is already on an upward trend, we’ve invested nearly $100 million downtown in the last few years and there is a lot going on. What I think is just as important are other commerce areas in the city. For example, the Southside Plaza and Foote Avenue are very important parts of our local economy, however, they seemingly get overlooked in any city planning.

See WARD, Page A7

From Page A1

Question: Is a state control board inevitable in Jamestown. If not, what can the City Council and mayor do to improve Jamestown’s financial situation?

Jones: Jamestown’s financial position is fragile given our connection to state and national economic conditions. However, fiscally responsible decisions and efficiency improvements will support Jamestown’s financial improvements, and minimize the risk of a control board. We will continue to pay down debt and save money by making efficiency improvements when replacing equipment, and consolidating building usage. The mayor’s concept has been to “work smarter, not harder.”

Olson: I am against bringing in a state control board. I’m not convinced that a group from outside our city can come in and tell us better ways to govern. I think smart decisions that are discussed in open forums are going to be what brings our finances back in line. We recently spent $35,000 for a police camera on a trailer. While a neat tool that could be used a couple times a year, it seems like irresponsible spending when we can’t even pay our current first responders a fair wage. With our next mayor and council, we need to take the approach of “negotiation over litigation.”

Question: From your point of view, what is your ward’s greatest need?

Jones: We need stronger neighborhoods. We need to know our neighbors look out for each other and help those that need help. To accomplish this, we need more neighborhood watch groups and neighborhood block gatherings. Using these existing forums, we can identify what’s good in our ward and what’s not, and with city support we can work on improvements.

Olson: My wards greatest needs are very similar to all the city wards. Deteriorating housing stock, graduates leaving our city as soon as they can, an unemployable work force, government mismanagement and spending. These are some of the factors preventing our city from becoming what it can be. I feel the greatest issue in my ward specifically is the housing stock. The dangers of lead as well as lack of maintenance cause some scary living conditions for our residents. I think we need to start by tearing down 50 dilapidated structures in every ward to increase the property values of the homes around them. How can one home be worth $90,000 when the building next door is worth $20,000?