Five Questions for Carson City Supervisor candidate James 'Jim' Wells, Ward 3
Submitted by Kelsey Penrose on Thu, 03/31/2022 - 10:24am
In March, all candidates for local and state positions filed their intention to run for office, in everything from the senate to the school board.
The 2022 Nevada Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, June 14.
*Early Voting begins on Saturday, May 28 and runs through Friday, June 10.
The 2022 Nevada General Election will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 8.
Early voting begins on Saturday, October 22 and runs through Friday, November 4.
Each candidate will be asked five questions relating to their position as a part of the Five Question series from Carson Now.
Jim Wells is currently running to represent Ward 3.
1) What in your background do you believe makes you a great candidate for Carson City supervisor?
I have over 30 years of experience in government finance, and as a former State Budget Director I have great insight into the many facets of how a government operates. I know how to analyze information and ask critical questions. I also have a track record of identifying and implementing operational efficiencies and stretching tax dollars to provide the most services for the least cost.
My experiences provide me with a unique perspective into the inner workings of government and will allow me to immediately contribute to the discussions about the important issues facing Carson City.
2) What do you believe is the biggest issue facing Carson City currently?
Carson City has changed a lot since I first moved here in 1972, growing from a small town to a medium sized city. Growth and related challenges and opportunities along with the lack of affordable housing are the main issues facing Carson City.
3) What do you think the solution to that problem is?
Growth can be positive for the City, but it can negatively impact the City’s resources, especially water and sewer, traffic movement, and police and fire protective services. Concurrently, demand for housing has vastly outstripped supply driving prices and rents to unaffordable levels for many residents.
The Board of Supervisors need to be proactive in identifying mitigation efforts to balance the potential impacts of new development on the City’s resources with the ability to meet demand in order to provide opportunities for more affordable housing. This should include a review and update to the City’s planning and zoning ordinances in order to promote consistency and stability for managing growth to insure it meets demand while not overwhelming essential services.
4) What would you like the board or the city to focus on in the next five years?
The Board recently updated its five-year strategic plan for the City. The plan includes goals relating to economic development, efficient government, quality of life, safety and maintaining a sustainable public infrastructure. These high-level goals should provide the foundation for the Board’s focus over the next five years.
I would like to see the Board focus on implementing the various elements of the strategic plan it adopted while continually evaluating other potential opportunities to ensure the plan continues to meet the needs of the citizens.
I would also like to see the Board review its fixed asset inventory and any deferred maintenance projects. It is important to maintain the City's assets before repairs to those assets become overly costly.
5) What is one thing you would like the voters to know about you or your platform?
I grew up in Carson City, went to school here and am proud to call Carson City my home. I entered the Ward 3 Supervisor race because I believe my experience will allow me to work with the other members of the Board to benefit the community and the citizens who live here.
