• Non-Incumbent
• jrbsharah@gmail.com

1) What do you feel are the best strategies for addressing the homelessness/unsheltered population issue in Charleston?

First and foremost, City Council needs to provide a safe community for all residents of Charleston. City Council should reach out and listen to the residential and commercial communities that are impacted the most to understand their concerns and to give them an opportunity to contribute to the solution. City Council should engage with the homeless residents of Charleston as part of its efforts to address this issue. Charleston City Council should also work with the surrounding municipalities and communities to work on this issue because it is not confined to the city limits of Charleston.

2) What is your position on economic development incentives and how can the City work with economic development partners to incentivize business relocation and expansion?

Economic development is the most pressing issue facing Charleston. Economic development also affects the other issues that Charleston is grappling with, such as homelessness and population decline. We must focus on attracting new businesses to Charleston from within and without our area. This can be achieved by, among other things, investigating and eliminating barriers to investment and being proactive in the recruitment of businesses. Economic development leads to job creation. Job creation leads to population growth. Population growth leads to a vibrant and prosperous Charleston.

3) Charleston City Council has 26 council members. Do you believe that this number is too large to be effective or it adequate? Please explain your answer.

Efficiency, efficacy, and overall representation should be the basis for city council, regardless of size. I worry that reducing the size of city council will lead to less representation and fewer voices being heard.