Raleigh City Council - District C
James G. Bledsoe
The city of Raleigh commissioned a survey in 2016 which showed that transportation issues remain our residents’ top concern. Do you support the $206.7MM streets and sidewalk bond package which includes a 1.29-cent property tax increase?
No
Do you support a major league soccer stadium downtown?
No
Do you support the use of incentives for the attraction and retention of businesses?
Yes
What are you hoping to achieve as an elected official that will foster a healthy and innovative business environment in both the near and far term?
I am trying to be a liaison for the city between itself and transitioning military & combat veterans. There are so many businesses trying to hire excellent workers out there that they are missing this excellent working class. I am also trying to get food trucks more access to Raleigh because it is so hard for these businesses to operate where and when they want to. Many are hiring around $12 with benefits and the majority would like to double their staff. We are looking at easily creating 100 jobs. I am also am long-term planner with small businesses in mind. The farther out we plan the less we have to change on the way.
What would you like to see updated in the city’s Unified Development Ordinance related to land use, regulations and/or density that ensures our market remains competitive and attractive for business and residents?
I have not been addressed with any complaints about the UDO, so I'll leave it be.
How will you balance increased infrastructure and personnel funding needs of the city while also addressing economic growth, affordability, and quality of life?
I will balance this option by being pro-business and trying to enact my food truck stance. If these trucks are allowed to operate better, that means more revenue for the city, better tourism, & more people with jobs. I am firmly against raising taxes, so this would be a great way to alleviate some of the pressure for more revenue. This added Revenue will also add funds for affordable housing which we desperately need as well. We have a housing market boom, now we need to have a business boom.
Identify two specific areas in the city budget where you might reduce spending and two specific areas where you might increase spending.
I would reduce funding to park beautification because they are not the end-all-be-all of tourism and revenue generation. I would instead put that money into affordable housing so we can reduce the massive list of those wanting to live here but can't because housing costs have skyrocketed in the past few years. There are probably a few other places that could use a little funding decrease, but I certainly would like to increase funding for the Raleigh fire department and Raleigh Police Department. There are a lot more training events that they can undertake to make them better officers and we can all benefit from that.
What is an uncomfortable truth about Raleigh that voters must confront?
For some, Raleigh is having an identity crisis. Many say that we are trying too hard to be like Charlotte and less like the city of Oaks. With the massive influx of people every year, we are forced to build larger items downtown when only a small percentage lives there. A whole Eastern side of Raleigh was left behind in development and the city needs to start focusing on the east.
The city of Raleigh commissioned a survey in 2016 which showed that transportation issues remain our residents’ top concern. Do you support the $206.7MM streets and sidewalk bond package which includes a 1.29-cent property tax increase?
No
Do you support a major league soccer stadium downtown?
No
Do you support the use of incentives for the attraction and retention of businesses?
Yes
What are you hoping to achieve as an elected official that will foster a healthy and innovative business environment in both the near and far term?
I am trying to be a liaison for the city between itself and transitioning military & combat veterans. There are so many businesses trying to hire excellent workers out there that they are missing this excellent working class. I am also trying to get food trucks more access to Raleigh because it is so hard for these businesses to operate where and when they want to. Many are hiring around $12 with benefits and the majority would like to double their staff. We are looking at easily creating 100 jobs. I am also am long-term planner with small businesses in mind. The farther out we plan the less we have to change on the way.
What would you like to see updated in the city’s Unified Development Ordinance related to land use, regulations and/or density that ensures our market remains competitive and attractive for business and residents?
I have not been addressed with any complaints about the UDO, so I'll leave it be.
How will you balance increased infrastructure and personnel funding needs of the city while also addressing economic growth, affordability, and quality of life?
I will balance this option by being pro-business and trying to enact my food truck stance. If these trucks are allowed to operate better, that means more revenue for the city, better tourism, & more people with jobs. I am firmly against raising taxes, so this would be a great way to alleviate some of the pressure for more revenue. This added Revenue will also add funds for affordable housing which we desperately need as well. We have a housing market boom, now we need to have a business boom.
Identify two specific areas in the city budget where you might reduce spending and two specific areas where you might increase spending.
I would reduce funding to park beautification because they are not the end-all-be-all of tourism and revenue generation. I would instead put that money into affordable housing so we can reduce the massive list of those wanting to live here but can't because housing costs have skyrocketed in the past few years. There are probably a few other places that could use a little funding decrease, but I certainly would like to increase funding for the Raleigh fire department and Raleigh Police Department. There are a lot more training events that they can undertake to make them better officers and we can all benefit from that.
What is an uncomfortable truth about Raleigh that voters must confront?
For some, Raleigh is having an identity crisis. Many say that we are trying too hard to be like Charlotte and less like the city of Oaks. With the massive influx of people every year, we are forced to build larger items downtown when only a small percentage lives there. A whole Eastern side of Raleigh was left behind in development and the city needs to start focusing on the east.
