Jim Benage, candidate for Bel Aire mayor
Name: Jim Benage
Age: 67
Occupation: Semi retire - Business Consultant - QMS Auditor
Previous government service: Bel Aire City Council 2018-2019, Bel Aire Mayor 2019 to present
Have you run for office before? (Please list any previous offices sought)
Wichita City Council to fill Carl Brewer’s vacated seat 2007, Bel Aire City Council 2017, BA03 Precinct Republican Committeeman 2018 & 2020, Bel Aire Mayor 2019
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it?
Infrastructure (streets, sidewalks, water, sewer). The biggest obstacle has been the city debt burden. By the grace of God, we had a great two-year run by selling over $4 million in real estate and refinancing our debt. This saves the city almost $400,000 is annual debt service cost. The Woodlawn project threatens to set us back. We are moving forward with that project (including the 10 foot walk/bike path and 5 foot sidewalk {this completes the sidewalk from 37th to 53th with access to Isley Magnet and Resurrection Catholic Schools} and taking a deeper look at our budget and finance options, including grants where possible. We are using ARPA funds to continue our cure-in-place sewer liner restoration project.
We continue working with Chisholm Creek Utility Authority to bring a better balance of cost to member cities that is tied to actual demand. This should reduce some of the burden this puts on the cost of water and sewer for Bel Aire citizens.
What would your top 3 policy priorities be?
Infrastructure (streets, sidewalks, water, sewer).
City’s debt service cost (which is exacerbated by land the city should not own).
Transparency (a never ending pursuit)
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