Jefferson City Council candidates answered another set of questions from the News Tribune on tax burdens, historic preservation and more ahead of next week's election.
Eight candidates are vying for contested council seats in the April 4 election. They are: Ward 1 incumbent David Kemna and challenger Jeff Ahlers; Ward 2 candidates Edith Vogel and Aaron Mealy; Ward 3 incumbent Scott Spencer and challenger Treaka Young; and Ward 5 candidates Alicia Edwards and Mark Schwartz.
The following answers are verbatim except for edits for grammar and spelling.
How would you assess a Jefferson City taxpayer's burden? Is the city a good steward of the taxpayer's money? Are current funding levels sufficient to meet the services and duties of the city?
David Kemna: I don't believe the council has been careless with budgeting for city needs by any means. I know the past couple of years have been challenging when it comes to the budget, and I feel this year will be another challenging year. Funding levels are always a challenge as we try to keep up with maintenance, equipment, staffing and maintaining a healthy fund balance.
Jeff Ahlers: Almost everyone probably believes their taxes are too high, ranging from school to city taxes. There should be a council meeting to look over current taxes and reviews of what are we doing with money and programs. I believe city staff and current council members are doing their best to be stewards of taxpayer money with the amount we collect; it comes down to priorities for that money and is it benefiting Jeff City as a whole, nothing wrong with having that conversation. I would look at the transportation budget to look for cost-saving efficiencies by utilizing smaller vehicles such as vans. Also look at using rideshare companies to fill in needs, they might be cost-effective. With JeffTran having issues with drivers we really need to see how many use this versus the size of vehicles. I would like to see the city budget be more for resurfacing streets, as that's been the biggest complaint so far.
Edith Vogel: Taxpayers burden: a simple answer would be appropriation and spending. The 10 council members' responsibility is to be good stewards of the tax money in the city coffers. In the present economy of the country, it's possible that the city fathers have before them a difficult task, which might require cuts to services and duties of the city. Common sense will have to prevail.
Aaron Mealy: It is essential for Jefferson City to be a good steward of taxpayer money. The capital improvement sales tax, which was renewed in 2021 by a 72 percent vote, is used for sidewalks, road repairs and cooperative projects with Cole County. Also in 2021, voters approved a public safety tax by nearly 70 percent. The increased revenue from the public safety tax is used to fund our police and fire and continue essential services in our community. While I generally think the city is a good steward, I would like to bring more quality, evidence-based decision-making to council. This type of decision-making will allow the city to be a good steward of your tax dollars and to potentially reduce your tax burden.
Scott Spencer: “The taxpayer feels less burden when they experience value in the services they receive. There is more scrutiny on the local level, because services impact residents daily. It is always to the benefit of the taxpayer that the City continually assess how tax dollars are being spent. Efficient government has been my focus in the past two years on the council. I have been working with the citizens committee that is overseeing an organizational review study to look at ways to cut costs and improve efficiency and effectiveness for the taxpayer. I believe current funding levels are sufficient, and the City can do more to correctly appropriate funds and prioritize issues. We must continue to focus on community issues like public safety, infrastructure and protecting our neighborhoods from nuisance and neglected properties.”
Treaka Young: Inability to meet basic needs. You would assess the burdens of citizens by them expressing their concerns at local meetings and lack of thriving businesses. Overall, they have done a sufficient job, and there is room for improvements in certain areas such as salaries of city employees, more money spent on affordable housing, infrastructure and public safety. The city could benefit for more improvement of funding: by reappropriating funding to much needed areas via affordable housing, infrastructure and public safety.
Mark Schwartz: As a new candidate for council, I look forward to digging into the city's finances to answer these questions. My background for the past 25 years at the state capital has been in budget and the appropriations process so this is an area I look forward to focusing on for the city. I believe the government should live within its means and spend taxpayer money only on core government functions like public safety, infrastructure and initiatives aimed to lure businesses to Jefferson City. I believe the taxpayer burden is significant, and I will not support any new taxes without a thorough look into why any increased burden on taxpayers is justifiable.
Alicia Edwards: I wouldn't call it a burden; we all have a responsibility to contribute to the well-being of our community. From the outside looking in, I would like to see more improvement to our infrastructure, and money that has previously been designated for projects be utilized.
What could or should the city do to restore the stately historic neighborhoods that showcase the architectural heritage and timeless beauty of the city?
David Kemna: Creating historic preservation districts is one way to restore historic neighborhoods. We just recently created a local historic district with School Street. Creating less restrictive measures for potential buyers or owners to restore these properties is also key for restoring these properties.
Jeff Ahlers: That should be a priority for the next council to move fast on selling or auctioning off parcels to the lowest bidder and get houses and or apartments built on these that match the current neighborhood architecturally. Ideas for tax abatements, TIFs, historic grants etc. Bring in developers and builders to get further ideas that will get things built faster so that we can get people back into the city proper and living downtown or in our older section of town. Streamline city processes to help speed up the build of these homes or apartments.
Edith Vogel: Historical verses Historic: First, I believe that the two words have distinct meaning. Historic, having importance, famous renowned. Historical, of or with events in history based on or concerned with events in history. With that being out of the way, lets just see if we can come up with specific examples; The whole Capital City Complex would qualify, this Missouri State Penitentiary site, my property (Union Camp Lillie, St. Peter's Catholic Church, Temple Bethel, and other downtown houses of worship to site just a few. Historic neighborhoods are just that privately owned and maintained by private citizens who pride themselves on ownership and care. Just because something is old doesn't make it historically accurate. Ownership is the key component to understanding the concept stately historic neighborhoods. The city can encourage and support just that, private ownership. No public taxpayer's money should be appropriated. Tax credits and grants are whole other subject usually controlled by other government entities.
Aaron Mealy: I fully support historic preservation and think it is an important component of continued growth and revenue through tourism. The city's historic preservation commission does a great job advocating in our community. The city should expand partnerships with private groups such as the Historic City of Jefferson, Historic City of Jefferson's Architectural Salvage group, and others to continue to restore our historic neighborhoods that showcase our architectural heritage. Our community has lost significant history on Capitol Avenue. There is an overlay district on Capitol Avenue, so any new construction in the empty lots must fit with the historical nature of the neighborhood. I will advocate for further historic preservation in a timely manner. Timeliness of preservation can reduce the burden on city and private resources.
Scott Spencer: If buildings are in private ownership, then that decision is best left up to the individual. Unfortunately, a lot of these structures are in bad shape, and to bring them up to a safe and livable standard is a large investment. If builders must restore properties to the original configuration using original construction materials and methods, there are significant additional costs. Investors want to restore historic neighborhoods, but also need to make a profit and minimize ongoing maintenance cost. The city's standards and regulations need to make sense for investors. As an example, allowing materials with the same look and feel as the original such as vinyl or composite siding and synthetic slate shingles. We can restore historic neighborhoods by finding a middle ground between historic preservation and current construction and design.
Treaka Young: The city should look at rebuilding and restoring as a first responsive means to keeping the historical neighbors as opposed to demolishing as a first response. The city would benefit from taking a proactive stand in lieu of using a reactive measure to dealing with maintaining historical neighborhoods.
Mark Schwartz: The city seems to have done a lot to restore Capital Avenue. They have supported and encouraged restoration where possible. Jefferson City has historic pocket neighborhoods in every ward. I would challenge the necessary departments to work together on acknowledging all the neighborhoods. Efforts to restore other neighborhoods can help promote the growth of our city. Creating opportunities for tourism, home ownership and small business growth. Over time, this could be the contribution our city needs to boost economic growth.
Alicia Edwards: There are multiple incentives owners of historic homes can use to restore their respective properties, especially the historic preservation tax credit program. Homeowners and/or business owners of these areas should take pride in maintaining the historic treasures the city has been afforded. If they are unwilling, I believe the city should step in to remove blight from the city, especially in and around the downtown area.
Do you believe the city has a problem with homelessness? Explain your answer.
David Kemna: Yes, I believe the city has a problem with homelessness. I believe there are many cities that are dealing with this issue. One of the main solutions to addressing this need would be offering affordable housing options. We have very limited options when it comes to affordable housing right now. I also think it's important that we are having conversations with many of the local nonprofits and churches within the community to make sure we are addressing these needs.
Jeff Ahlers: I know Catholic Charities has around 20 people staying there for a short time and the Salvation Army has a few more, I would like to see interviews from the people who are there and why they are homeless. Maybe to direct them to agencies that could help them with education, jobs, addiction and so forth. We could look at the old Simonsen School building to purchase with ARPA funds, state grant money or some sort of federal housing money to tie all this into one place for help instead of having an empty building sitting there. Could look at the old Tennyson furniture store as well.
Scott Spencer: Yes, we do have a homeless problem, but there are many factors involved such as addiction or mental health conditions. The city should rely on churches, state agencies and the many nonprofits that are in the community to lead the effort. It's imperative that we break the cycle of chronic poverty, addiction and abuse. Our goal as a community should be to help individuals gain independence and self-sustainability. The city can coordinate some of these efforts, but all entities should bring their specific strengths and responsibilities to the table to develop a response plan.
Treaka Young: The number of displaced residents of Jefferson City have increased significantly since the 2019 tornado. We would seek out affordable housing funding, utilize local developers to restore unused properties, and build single and multifamily units that meets the base salary of the residents.
Edith Vogel: I do, but I do not know the extent of how much, but it doesn't take a trained eye to see it particularly in our downtown area. The public library comes to mind, just recently folks camping along Wears Creek that flows through a greater part of the city, east to west. In my estimation, it's the whole community's responsibility, faith-based groups and civic. As a note, I believe this issue is being addressed at present time by the appropriate parties.
Aaron Mealy: Yes. I volunteer with the Jefferson City Room at the Inn, Project Homeless Connect and other organizations that work to reduce homelessness in our community. Any time a citizen finds stability, it reduces resources on our police, fire and other city services. During my volunteer work and while speaking with local leaders, I often find that those without housing are very close to stability and just need a little extra help. I will promote partnerships between the city and private organizations such as Catholic Charities, Room at the Inn, Project Homeless Connect, Transitional Housing and other organizations and churches.
Mark Schwartz: I believe we have a substance-use and mental health crisis in this country and because of this we are faced with severe problems, one of which is homelessness. The state has funded millions in new mental health initiatives aimed to curtail the out-of-control problem of access to mental health and substance-use treatment. Not-for-profits also must continue to be involved, as I know they have been, in helping find shelter for homeless individuals. The decades-long failure to combat these issues have only made the situation worse, and it will take time, and more investment, if we are to improve the current state-of-affairs.
Alicia Edwards: When citizens and community based organizations come together to address homelessness, when homelessness is criminalized, when our country has a problem with homelessness, well there just might be a problem in Jeff City with the unhoused community. Sorry for the sarcasm, but people turning a blind eye is what deflects from addressing the issues. I believe a better approach to our housing crisis would in return help address the problem with the alarming amount of people who don't have a place to call home. In the meantime, I would support efforts in some type of year-round facility to be established, in partnership with the existing efforts of the community organizations. Because this is not an issue that only faces our community, looking into federal funding opportunities should be encouraged with full support of the city.
Does the council have a role in promoting economic development in the city? Explain your answer.
David Kemna: Yes. I believe the council has a role in promoting economic development. I know we also have other entities that serve in promoting economic development for the area, and I feel it's essential that we all have a good working relationship. I believe you always want to be in communications with the business community to see where the city can assist with promoting growth. You also have several tools such as CDBG funds, TIFs, historic tax credits, bonding and other means that could assist if the council found them to be appropriate for the situation. I think you also want to look at your zoning codes to make sure you are promoting the right type of growth for the right type of area.
Jeff Ahlers: The city as well as the county budget money for the promotion of living in or build business here. It is worthwhile to showcase Jeff City and the surrounding area as a great place to live and raise a family, own a business here. We also have schools here that want to give their best to attract people and businesses that are looking at what we have to offer.
Edith Vogel: Economic development, yes, but it is a public and private development. The city's responsibility is making development easier and less cumbersome for private entities. One last note: this whole economic development in the future is going to depend on the national economy and conditions, everything always trickles down!
Aaron Mealy: Absolutely! Jefferson City must continue to build our community in a way that is attractive to developers while keeping in mind the needs of our citizens. As a community leader, I will promote infrastructure repair and development to spur economic growth. Investing in our workforce is also a large component of economic development. I believe community leaders have a responsibility to examine and evaluate how policies impact the marketplace, workforce and community.
Scott Spencer: Yes, I absolutely believe the council should promote economic development. I fought hard to get the JC Regional Economic Partnership funding back in the budget that Mayor Tergin cut from her 2023 budget. Economic development is critical for our city. When our business community thrives, so does our city. When Jefferson City offers high paying jobs, it has a positive impact on everyone. Like many cities, our challenge is that we have a limited quantity of workers. Baby Boomers left the workforce due to the pandemic and families are choosing to have fewer children; both have an impact on our available workforce.
Treaka Young: Economic development is critical to assuring the growth and future of this city. The council plays an important role in the TIF and other tax incentives. Rezoning properties could improve the progress of the city in developing a very positive outcome.
Mark Schwartz: I believe the council should be the No. 1 cheerleader for the city and the economic development that happens here. Business incentives, including TIF and CIDs, are important business tools used to incentivize the ingenuity of private industry to create jobs and create businesses that expand our city's tax base. The only way out of our current stagnant growth, and our recent losses in the job market, is to encourage investment while providing the tools that makes these investments possible.
Alicia Edwards: Yes, since the council can decide whether there's economic growth in our city. I believe the problem in the past is the council not being able to agree on development projects, therefore there's not any solid promotional effort supported by the community. If the council represents all the people of Jeff City, then they should be able to agree on things that will benefit the city as a whole. The council's role could be what leaves us stagnant or thriving for years to come. Living here, I have seen opportunities come and go, where other nearby communities utilized them to propel forward. We haven't seen growth in over 10 years, as leaders the council must take an initiative to address why economic growth is so vital to our city.
The story was updated March 31 to correct Scott Spencer's answer on the first question. The answer that was published in an earlier version of this story was not his submitted response.