James Bledsoe

Why is he running?

I’m running for Raleigh City Council because in November, two big events occured. My home was broken into, a drop in the pond of 10 year highs in crime, & the Veterans Day was canceled a few days before it was meant to take place due to cars being too dangerous to operate. The current council made decisions that deeply concern me—like giving themselves a raise, extending their terms from two to four years, and voting against adding more representatives, all without asking for citizen input. This isn’t how the government should work. I believe in transparency, accountability, and making sure that the voices of Raleigh residents are heard and respected. I’m committed to bringing those values back to City Hall.

Why are you an independent?

After 19 years in the Army on Active Duty and in the Reserve, I’ve seen both parties perform poorly, to say the least, and I couldn’t bring myself to be in either camp. Both are hyperbolic and I won’t contribute to the uniparty. Nothing is being accomplished except reckless spending and the erosion of American values.

What are your top three priority issues? 

1. Cutting spending to glamor projects and high expenditure\/low performing departments and moving those funds to first responders. The RPD & RFD are the worst paid first responders in the state and use an archaic pay system. I plan to put a time in grade\/time in service pay plan in place. 
2. Donating 50-100% of my pay to high school seniors going into the trades or STEM through a scholarship program. 
3. Reforming housing\/building codes to allow for easier building and reduce costs. I also plan to make use of the 20%+ commercial property and turn it into housing for ownership.

What are your positions that help support empowering independents (open primaries etc)? 

I have been endorsed by Andrew Yang, the Libertarian Party NC, Reform Party NC, Forward Party NC, Constitution Party NC, & the Veterans Party of NC. As an independent, I am not beholden to these parties, but trusted to be a fair voice for all citizens in Raleigh. I plan on providing a centrist voice and ears to Raleigh.

What will you do to support your fellow veterans and members of the military community? 

I plan on being the first combat veteran on council in 20 years. Many veterans do not want to participate in city government or events due to the wildly progressive nature of the council for the past 2 decades. I will show them, by being elected, that they have a place in the city. I also plan to put into place a \Veterans Preference\” like the state of NC does in its hiring practice so my brothers and sisters can get jobs or careers with the city.”

ENDORSEMENTS