ALEXANDRIA — Alexandria City Council District 3 candidates James Lee Janes and incumbent Wendi Goens expressed concerns regarding Alexandria’s lacking economic growth and other issues.
Janes said the city government has grown, resulting in a greater tax burden on residents, which more often than not, are on a fixed income.
“When they (the city) talk about hiring more people or raising more taxes, somebody can say, ‘whoa, let’s take a step back,’” Janes, the Independent candidate, said.
“People are hurting right now with inflation and everything else. Somebody to maybe say ‘no’ if that comes up, I’m that type of person.”
Residents’ tax burden could be eased should Alexandria grow its commercial and residential tax base.
Some areas in Hamilton County, though wealthier, have lower tax burdens than Alexandria, which is due to a larger tax base, according to Janes.
Janes said the city needs to market itself better in hopes of attracting people.
“We need to divert some funds to advertise. Put up a billboard in Carmel or on the interstate near Noblesville,” he said.
The advertisement would market Alexandria as an escape from the rat race.
Goens, the Republican incumbent, also wants to make Alexandria a place worth visiting but said a few logistical items need to be taken care of before visitors arrive.
Such items include dealing with derelict properties and infrastructure as well as expanding business opportunities.
She also wants to help make Alexandria a more walkable city — a few in her district have to walk everywhere.
However, many of the sidewalks are in poor condition. Sidewalk repairs are the responsibility of property owners, according to city regulations.
Goens also recognizes that many residents, especially those in District 3, are on a fixed income and may not be able to afford to repair sidewalks.
She too looked at places like Carmel which she said reimburses residents a portion of the cost to repair sidewalks.
“I’d like to look into more things like that, what help is there for homeowners because I think I think we’re a community with a lot of needs,” she said.
Goens is a lifelong resident with deep roots in Alexandria, which she believes make her the best person for the job.
Janes believes he’s the best candidate for the job — he has concrete ideas that can be presented to residents and the council.
