GOP candidate for Ward 2 eyes programs, services for families
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Bryan Bigelow is making children and families a hallmark of his campaign for the Jamestown City Council's seat on Ward 2 – though housing and the homeless are certainly issues the recently seated interim councilman knows need to be addressed.
Bigelow was appointed to fill Tony Dolce's seat as Jamestown Ward 2 representative until the November election cycle, when he will face Jason Sample for the Ward 2 seat. Bigelow has worked steadily to fully understand the role and responsibilities of his position while honoring Dolce’s memory.
"I've got some big shoes to fill," he said. "However, I believe there is always room to collaborate and reach across the aisle to work for the greater good of our city. I believe in a common-sense approach to government; I'm focusing on transparency and accessibility as I represent Ward 2."
Bigelow has been married to his wife, Alice, for more than 20 years, and they have two adult children, Hannah and Matthew. He believes prioritizing his family and ensuring the safety and well-being of the young constituents in District II has been a major driving force in his life.
"I come from a split family and was a latchkey kid,” he said. “I believe that children are our future – just like the song says. We must protect them, keep them safe, and provide them with strong programs and services. This is very important to me. I spent many years coaching the Northside Warriors football team and also served as the program’s general manager. I live across from Washington Middle School, and every day it feels like a raceway; it’s not safe for the kids. As I’ve been going door-to-door, I’ve heard the same concern from several residents on Buffalo Street."
Other issues Bigelow hopes to tackle include homelessness and several abandoned, vacant, dilapidated housing units in his ward, which by all accounts has been a "hot button" for the past few years.
Bigelow said several condemned houses are in Ward II, and he is actively monitoring and following up on their status.
"We have to be careful," he said. "Some of these houses (which are condemned) have their property taxes paid up to date – meaning outside of court and legal action, we can only cite the owners and let the court process work, which is very time-consuming and costs a lot of money."
Bigelow said that while his seat is up for grabs in the November elections, he intends to run a clean, fact-based race and that he respects his opponent.
Bigelow has done a ride-along with the Jamestown Police Department, and has recently publicly discussed the city’s GovAlert app that allows city residents to report properties with code violations to the city Development Department.
"We can improve Jamestown for everyone," said Bigelow. "We have challenges, but by working in a collaborative effort. ...We can make Jamestown a better place to live, work, and thrive in. We didn't get into this situation overnight, and we're not going to get out of it overnight. We must work together and do better for our children and their children."
For more information, visit Bigelow's official Facebook page: Bryan Bigelow, Jamestown City Councilman, Ward 2, or email him at bigelow@jamestownny.gov.