LACNIP held a Lima city council debate for presidential candidates First Ward Councilor Todd Gordon and Fifth Ward Councilor Jamie Dixon.
LIMA — In the coming election, there is only one contested race in the city of Lima. After current Lima City Council President John Nixon announced his retirement in November of last year, First Ward Councilor Todd Gordon and Fifth Ward Councilor Jamie Dixon decided to enter the race for the presidency seat.
The Lima/Allen County Neighborhood in Partnership held a debate for the candidates Tuesday at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church. Community members who attended the event presented questions to the moderator for the councilors to answer.
The candidates answered questions regarding their vision for Lima and what makes Lima great.
“My vision for the city of Lima is to be a great place to raise a family and grow a business,” Gordon said. “I want Lima citizens to have safe and affordable housing. I want to create an environment that welcomes new business so Lima people can enjoy a prosperous community.”
Gordon said the greatest assets in Lima included the people who work in the city. Dixon then shared his vision and what makes Lima great.
“My vision for Lima is to create a place that is safe and comfortable where families can live, work and play,” Dixon said. “We have to make sure we have livable wages and jobs that will help our economic stability in our communities.”
Dixon said the greatest asset in Lima included the people who abide in the neighborhoods.
The candidates answered questions regarding violence and meeting the needs of the people.
“We need to curve violence,” Gordon said. “We need to get rid of blighted housing and we need to support the added street lighting the mayor is working on. We also need to raise the pay of the police department to attract more officers. It is a tough battle getting good police officers. We need to increase the pay to obtain qualified applicants.”
Gordon said currently as a council member he has open communication with community members.
“When we talk about violence, we also have to look at how we have changed in safety services,” Dixon said. “As the head of the safety services committee, we met with the police department and the mayor to eliminate pinpoint policing. We carved the city into four quadrants. Officers patrol each corridor all three shifts. Residents are able to identify who their officers are and officers identify the residents.”
Dixon also said that, if elected, he hopes for the city council to go into the neighborhoods and schools so residents can be more involved with the local government.
The candidates will be on the Nov. 7 ballot, but early in-person voting begins Oct. 10.
Reach Precious Grundy at 567-242-0351.
