Voters in Jamestown’s Ward 3 have a choice between incumbent Democrat Regina Brackman and newcomer Seth States, the Republican candidate.

States wants to increase housing demolitions, clean up condemned homes, and do more to market Jamestown as a place to open new businesses with plenty of community events for families. Brackman similarly wants to do more to improve housing, pointing to the need for more code enforcement staff in the city Development Department, saying the staffing issues for code enforcement are just as acute as staffing needs in the police and fire departments. Either candidate is limited by the city’s budget when it comes to accomplishing their goals, whether it’s housing demolitions, marketing or adding code enforcement staff. There likely won’t be money for any of those things in a city budget any time soon now that the federal American Rescue Plan Act funding has been spent.

Brackman has shown, over her time on the council, an ability to bring her ward’s issues to the council and be responsive to the constituents she represents. Those who have attended committee meetings know Brackman regularly brings constituent concerns to the council and follows up on them in future meetings. She’s been a voice for Fulton Street residents who have become regular parts of City Council meetings in recent months as well as issues in the neighborhood near the ROME warming center on Washington Street.

“I see people and their needs,” Brackman told The Post-Journal recently. “I am a resident of the city of Jamestown and the concerns that my constituents have I experience as well. I just want to make sure that I’m representing based on that. I am them, I am one of the people and that’s how I see myself.”

Brackman’s view is one we wish we saw more in our elected politics. That, and her history on the council, are why we endorse Regina Brackman for another two years on the City Council.