Councilor Elect Kent Smith Addresses LSAC


(posted Nov 30)

Recently elected At-Large City County Councilor Kent Smith will jump into the seat of Vice-president of the council come January. His leap into such a position of power has captured the attention of business owners in the Lafayette Square Area Coalition who hope to keep their interests on the radar down at "city hall." LSAC member Clint Fultz noted the Community Revitalization Enhancement District (CRED) is an important economic tool that he did not want to see further diminished by the state. The state revised the criteria, saying retail businesses no longer qualify for the 25 percent tax credit, a move that eliminated Wal-Mart as a recipient.

The change in leadership from Democrats to Republicans should not be a problem for Smith as he contended that he listens to the people first before the Republican party caucus. Smith said he was not very familiar with the CRED status, but he is familiar with the area's change through its loss of major businesses. He said that the growing number of thrift stores points to an appearance increase in lower income consumers. The demographics of purchasing power and crime statistics will continue to narrow the market in an area trying to attract a wider variety of major retailers.

The coalition is working to attract new customers to the area by offering internet access from E-Wireless. The soon to be activated service will allow businesses to sign up for $55 a month, but it is free to end users. E-wireless founder Henry Kurkowski said the e-wireless service is geared toward demographics and keeping the user in the area to spend money. Businesses that provide the service can target e-wireless customers with ads and promotional items even beyond their particular zone. E-Wireless serves about 40,000 customers.

Smith said he would work with the LSAC to promote the positives that are going on in the area to counteract crime in the area. LSAC President Mary Clark wanted Smith to emphasize the area's cultural diversity and she exemplified it by discussing the recent Taste The Difference event that showcased the different ethnic restaurants in the area. She said it was so successful that the event will be repeated in April.

The coalition hopes Smith can override some of the area's crime ridden stories with these success stories that pull in consumer and the community together.

The IMPD is working to resolve the crime issue with Weed and Seed grant money. Recently the Eagledale Lafayette Square area was designated as a Department of Justice Weed and Seed area to root out criminal elements and to promote youth programs as a preventative tool.

Smith indicated that ex-offenders, the so called "old gang", should not be underestimated in their influence to steer the youth down the wrong path. He suggested that youth need to be rid of the snitch mentality so they can become the future neighborhood crime watchers. Smith believes that crime ends when the grassroots no longer turn its back on criminal activities.

LSAC member Sahara Williams updated Smith with the area youth programs. Williams offers youth programs through her horse farm,  Desert Moon Equine Academy. She also noted that a future community center is planned for the Gateway neighborhood.