Excitement Builds in Johnson City as Commission Race Heats Up
As we gear up for the upcoming commission election in Johnson City, it’s hard to ignore the buzz around the nine candidates vying for three seats. Each candidate brings a unique perspective and set of ideas to the table, and over the next few weeks, we’ll have the opportunity to get to know them a bit better.
Focusing on Our Own Residents
First up is Jay Emberton, a retired army veteran, ETSU instructor, and home inspector. Emberton describes himself as a strong believer in taking care of the people who are already here in Johnson City rather than merely attracting new residents. He suggests that we focus on our community members by eliminating the local grocery tax and providing financial incentives to developers who build affordable housing.
“There are ways to influence and incentivize builders to stop putting up so many large McMansion neighborhoods on the outskirts of town and get them to want to focus on building smaller, more affordable housing,” Emberton explained. He also expressed concerns about the current commission’s approach to transparency, especially after a failed attempt to amend the city charter last August. He believes the commission should work on being “more accessible” and “transparent,” regardless of the decisions made.
Taking Action on Homelessness
Another candidate, Bo Westmoreland, is stepping into the race with a strong commitment to combatting local homelessness. As a dentist who has always had an interest in politics, he sees this moment as the perfect opportunity to make a difference. Westmoreland expressed that seeing the struggles his friends who own downtown businesses face has sparked a fire in him to take action.
“Homelessness is the final straw that caused me to run for office,” he stated. “It’s a fine line, I understand. But it’s also a fine line of trying to let someone make a living that’s actually there working 30 to 40, 50 hours a week while people are doing drugs right in front of their establishment.”
Westmoreland is not just looking at homelessness but also broadening the conversation around spending and affordable housing. He noted that there are currently over 100 houses up for foreclosure or categorized as dilapidated and condemned. “I don’t know why we couldn’t renovate those or give incentives to builders,” he said. He aims to explore zoning options that might help create more opportunities for affordable housing in the area.
What Comes Next?
As these candidates, among others, put forth their visions for Johnson City, discussions around local governance, community wellbeing, and economic development are bound to heat up. The focus on accessibility and transparency, as emphasized by Emberton, along with Westmoreland’s urgent call to address homelessness, reveals a community that is eager to tackle its challenges head-on.
With the election drawing closer, residents have the chance to dive into the platforms of each candidate. It’s a pivotal moment for Johnson City, as the outcomes can shape the future of our neighborhoods and streets. As the candidates continue to share their views, it’s important for community members to engage, ask questions, and cast their votes when the time comes.
Join the Conversation!
Let’s keep the momentum alive as we highlight the different perspectives and platforms of all the candidates in this essential race. Johnson City’s future is in our hands, and every voice counts. Stay tuned for more insights into what each candidate stands for, and remember – your vote matters today more than ever!
