“I never imagined that I would run for political office, but my affection for this district has nudged me toward it,” writes James Alfandre. “My kids are 4th-generation District Sixers, and I want them to be able to grow up and have the chance to raise their families here as well if they choose that.
Lighting and sound technicians climb scaffolding while setting up Granary Live's first venue in Salt Lake City's Granary District, Wednesday, June 14, 2023.I am not a career politician and, because of that, I have a fresh perspective. It never occurred to me to run for City Council until last summer when Ellen Reddick, the Bonneville Hills Community Council Chair, and Steve Alder, a long-time neighborhood advocate, both implored me to join the race. My first response was: Absolutely not.
But after taking a couple of weeks to let the idea marinate in my Dad/business-owner/urban-planner brain, I realized that I am a highly qualified candidate to lead us into the future. And my roots run deep in District 6 — my ancestors helped settle the valley and my mother was born and raised in District 6, along with my wife, Jane, and her parents, Steve and Sue Ann. This place means so much to me and my family.
As an urban designer and housing policy expert, I have listened in on many City Council meetings and found myself continually questioning our current leadership. Where is the vision, creativity and excitement for what District 6 could be?. I use modern ideas mixed with respect for past proven methods of city planning to incorporate walkability, aesthetics, safety and pleasure within the neighborhood experience — all the while respecting the historical context of a place.
We badly need updated infrastructure and amenities to ensure that we grow gracefully. Instead of sitting on acres of vacant property, city leadership should be attracting more companies and businesses to our downtown. This would increase the tax base and would provide the funds we need to improve and update our infrastructure and amenities, while decreasing residents’ tax burden. My professional experience makes me the best candidate to do this.
I never imagined that I would run for political office, but my affection for this district has nudged me toward it. My kids are 4th-generation District Sixers, and I want them to be able to grow up and have the chance to raise their families here as well if they choose that.and we are at a crossroads.
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