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Candidates Seek City Council Ward 1 Seat

Two candidates are running for the Jamestown City Council Ward 1 seat, which is known as the “College Ward.”

Incumbent Brent Sheldon, who is endorsed by the Republican, Conservative and Independence parties, is being challenged by Tim Smeal, who is endorsed by the Democratic, Libertarian and Working Families parties. 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?

Sheldon: As a certified lead risk assessor for Chautauqua County (Health and Human Services Department), I have been in more substandard rental units than any other council or mayoral candidate, while investigating lead poisoned children and documenting lead hazards.

Landlords must be held accountable (for) housing violations and invest in their properties to bring them up to minimum living standards. Many grants such as HOME and HUD have been available to landlords to improve their properties, but only a few landlords have taken advantage of them. Landlords that have improved their properties should be rewarded and recognized by the city. Tenants could be given incentives to maintain the exterior of their rental units and reducing neighborhood blight.

Smeal: The most important step we can take toward improving our neighborhoods is stepped-up code enforcement targeting unsafe properties and any conditions at odds with the overall health and safety of our neighborhoods. We must work to support compliant landlords, determining the best ways to reward their excellent property management and incentivize continued investment. Conversely, non-compliant landlords need to be held accountable (in conjunction with city court) on a more demanding timeline. Restructuring and/or adding personnel to the code enforcement team is one way to accomplish these goals. I will also continue weekly walks through Ward 1 neighborhoods to address concerns, interact with residents and help connect owners and renters alike with the resources they need to meet their goals.

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

Sheldon: I would first create rental and tax incentives to help new and creative businesses and retail fill the empty storefronts. Then I would construct covered walkways downtown with heat and AC so that residents and visitors can shop, dine and be entertained without having to brave the elements. The walkways would also go over the streets and be connected to the downtown apartment buildings, the ice arena, National Comedy Center and other downtown destinations. These walkways would open up the second floor of downtown buildings for more development. Finally, we would construct an enclosed, temperature regulated parking ramp near the ice arena and National Comedy Center to accommodate the influx of visitors to downtown.

Smeal: Converting most east-west streets to two-way traffic would support commerce by making the city more user friendly. Enhancing wayfinding signage (directing folks to parking, retail and attractions) would also do a lot to support current businesses, and their success could be leveraged to attract more downtown businesses. We have tremendous business owners in our city, and I will continue to be in constant contact with them to respond effectively to emerging issues and shifting dynamics/challenges. Additionally, equal consideration must be given to businesses outside the city core.

Parking, the perennial bugaboo, must be addressed through clear, enforceable regulations that balance the goals of ensuring availability and providing convenient options to downtown residents and workers. Installing smart parking meters that would accept coins, cards and payment by smartphone app is surely on the wish list and would be a priority if money was no object.

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

Sheldon: I do not believe that a state control board is inevitable. The city has taken may steps to improve the financial situation already. While we have reached the Constitutional tax limit, the city’s bond rating has improved to the point where we can now invest in the city’s infrastructure and much needed equipment. We need to increase the tax base by bringing in new manufacturing and high-tech businesses and use incentives to encourage existing businesses to stay and expand with incentives. The mayor and the City Council could create a taxpayer-based board to determine what services are non-essential and can be reduced or eliminated to cut city property taxes.

Smeal: I don’t believe that involvement of a state control board is inevitable. By focusing on marketing our assets (the BPU, improved cooperation with Chautauqua County and neighboring municipalities, access to affordable technical training and higher education, dedicated entrepreneurs, arts and cultural organizations, and more) alongside the tireless pursuit of lower property taxes, we can move toward a brighter financial future. In the short-term, focus on customer service in city hall, ensuring residents are heard and prioritizing value for our taxpayers will increase confidence in city operations.

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

Sheldon: I believe Ward 1’s greatest need is more manufacturing and high-tech jobs with good wages to allow more home ownership in Jamestown. Ward 1 has more manufacturing businesses and buildings than any other ward in the city. Many old buildings are vacant and some can still be renovated and repurposed with tax and other incentives for new businesses. Some may need to be demolished and the land cleared to allow new manufacturers to build new and efficient buildings. Jamestown Community College is a great asset in our ward and can be a partner in this process by providing trained workers with both the traditional JCC courses as well as graduates from their manufacturing and technology center.

Smeal: Based on my conversations with residents over the last few months, the greatest need in Ward 1 is an increased focus on housing quality, safety and effective code enforcement. I also want to work with our police and fire departments to provide our citizens with the best service and protection we can afford.

Feeling heard and actively represented is the major concern among my neighbors. As the Ward 1 councilman, I will do all I can to hear, understand and advocate for residents’ needs in the council.

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