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Meet The Candidates: City Council Ward 5

Jamestown City Council's Ward Five is contested between the Republican incumbent William Reynolds III and Kaycee Colburn, the Democrat-endorsed candidate.

Both candidates were given three questions to answer to better explain the political platforms which they are running on.

Post-Journal: Is there one recurring theme you're hearing from voters as you go door-to-door? How do you think the council can best address those voter's issues?

William R. Reynolds III: While touring (walking and listening) the Ward Five area, the constituents had several concerns. They also were polite, honest and compassionate while discussing the good, bad and ugly. The top three recurring issues were crime, wayward juveniles and the Dept. of Development's lack of enforcement. The police are being called repetitively and in most cases the results are positive. The new position of nuisance officer has proven to be successful. While the police are extremely busy, the City Council continues to encourage the residents to be proactive and call as many times as it takes in reporting suspicious activity. Adding a second Nuisance Officer would aid addressing many of the "quality of life" issues throughout the entire City.

Young people that are "wayward" in the ward, generate many of the concerns. With the criminal mischief complaints, ringing doorbells, fighting, banging on windows, damaging property, harassing and challenging citizens, using loud and offensive language and generally raising hell, has residents scared in most cases. These children have little to no respect for others or themselves. The fix is bigger than having the police take them home or having Council dictating some enforcement program, it is a society dilemma. The trouble in many cases starts at home. Utilizing Family Court for the crimes that juveniles commit, and older ones treated as adults. Enforcing a strict curfew would help and putting some of the responsibility on to the parents could help solve the issues.

The Department of Development is working on getting new staff trained and ready to tackle many of the issues with proper enforcement. The council has approved a new ordinance taking on many of the issues that affect the neighborhoods. It is the hope of Council that many of the infractions can be handled expeditiously and not get tied up in Housing Court. Also, demolition of non-habitable houses needs to be a priority and Council has earmarked funds for that purpose.

Kaycee Colburn: While going door to door, I had the pleasure of talking with my neighbors all around Ward 5, one of the recurring themes was the need for better communication. We as leaders in this community need to speak plainly and get information out in a timelier manner.

Specifically, about grants. I believe one way to tackle this issue is by simply having folks sign up for a please-inform-me list that is specific to their needs or interests. For example, if you need a window, you could sign up to be placed on an inform-me list and when a window grant becomes available a mailer is sent to you so that you have ample opportunity to apply. This does not guarantee a person will receive the grant; however, it gives more opportunities than the current methods. If a list like this already exists, then the public needs to be made aware of that as well. This can be done by running ads in The Post-Journal, for example, smaller newsletters and even radio and TV ads. Does it cost money? Yes, but it is also investing in our community to ensure everyone has the same opportunities.

Post-Journal: Homelessness, affordable housing and code enforcement have long been identified as growing problems in the city. What actions do you think the city and the council should take to address these problems?

William R. Reynolds III: The city and council members are aware of the growing problems with housing, homelessness, affordable housing and code enforcement. Initiatives have been taken to include faith- based entities and their efforts, there has been funding allocated for future shelters, programs are in place (ie: 19A) to get new homeowners in homes with minimal costs to bring houses up to code. Homelessness is a very serious issue and getting folks the help they need is a handful. Especially, when many do not want to give up their vices and follow the rules of the shelters. Some are in need of getting help with mental health issues. I believe the city does an exceptional job of offering to help and support those in need. Outside agencies are a key component of providing services and the city could not do it alone. Affordable housing is being discussed at the council level and taking a look at the zoning laws and how they may be altered and amended to allow new buildings to be built in the city. Tiny houses are an up and coming topic and the council is interested in seeing where that trend may work in Jamestown.

Kaycee Colburn: I believe Mayor Sundquist's plan is a great starting approach to these issues. If elected I will help push for these plans. I will also push for bringing in programs and grants to help with aid for homelessness and affordable housing. Some programs already exist and so it will be a matter of making sure everyone knows they are available and again doing so in a timelier manner so that everyone has a chance to apply for or benefit from these programs.

Post-Journal: Eight buildings were identified as key redevelopment opportunities in the Urban Design Plan. Three of those parcels have found new tenants, while five are largely unchanged – the Furniture Mart building, Viking Building, Key Bank Building, the former Craft World and Action Hobbies building on Third Street and storefronts in the Hotel Jamestown. Are you satisfied with the progress made in new futures for those buildings over the past five years and how can the council stimulate development in those areas?

William R. Reynolds III: Of the eight buildings asked about, none are in Ward Five. But I am excited about what development has come to fruition in my short time on council. I have been fortunate to attend many ribbon cutting events that the chamber has orchestrated. Most of the buildings listed have not succeeded in getting new tenants but have had interested developers and investors. For whatever reason, a couple of deals have failed. The council should review the Urban Design Plan as so many factors surrounding economic development have changed in recent years. Looking at a more regional base may augment economic development. Capitalism works and we need to entice venture money, developers, investors, manufacturers, small Mom & Pop shops to look at what Jamestown has to offer. Working with the Chamber, Manufacturers Association, Department of Development, foundations and especially with the private sector to encourage potential businesses to seriously look at what this city has to offer.

Kaycee Colburn: I would like to see grants brought in to help restore and renovate these historic buildings to make them more attractive to potential buyers and businesses. You mentioned the Hotel Jamestown and I was personally pleased to use the Crystal ballroom as my venue for a large psychic faire, which I hosted and benefited from the restoration of The Haunted Hinsdale House in Hinsdale New York.. I know that from this event the ballroom had a few other events added to their schedule because of the exposure from my event, including a Christmas Bazar. Things seemed to be going well until the pandemic hit. I would love to see other large events come into Jamestown that help make these historic buildings and potential venues visible.