James Elam
Candidate for Charleston · City Council Ward 18
I have called Kanawha City home for nearly 15 years. I am a Capital High School graduate, I attended Concord University in Athens, West Virginia, and later pursued an associate degree in public health online through University of the People. With a background in law enforcement and nearly six years of inpatient pharmacy experience at CAMC, I am committed to serving others and improving lives in Kanawha City's 18th Ward and Charleston. I am endorsed by the West Virginia Police Benevolent Association.
Why I'm running
Kanawha City isn’t just where I grew up—it’s my home, and the community that shaped who I am today. I’m running for Charleston City Council's 18th Ward because I want to give back by building safer, healthier, stronger neighborhoods. With a background in law enforcement and pharmacy, my life has been dedicated to serving others, and I’m ready to bring that same commitment to our community to help Kanawha City thrive and grow.
Beyond the ballot: Three questions
We asked candidates three questions about mistakes, disagreements and changing their minds. Their answers offer readers a look at how they reflect on their decisions, navigate difficult situations and approach public service beyond their policy positions.
1. A decision I got wrong
Tell us about a time you made a decision that you later realized was wrong. What led you to that decision, how did you respond when you recognized your mistake, and what did you learn from the experience?
No response provided.
2. Standing by my convictions
Describe a time you disagreed with someone whose support, approval or relationship mattered to you. How did you handle the disagreement, and what ultimately guided your decision?
No response provided.
3. Changing my mind
What is one belief or strongly held opinion you have changed your mind about? What caused you to reconsider your position, and how would that experience influence the way you serve in public office?
No response provided.
Where I stand on the issues
Candidates rated their agreement with five statements about issues affecting their communities, using a scale of 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree).
City Council should be willing to approve public funding or financial incentives for the redevelopment of major privately owned downtown properties, even if doing so means less funding for other city priorities.
“Charleston should pursue responsible downtown redevelopment that attracts businesses, creates jobs, and strengthens our economy. However, any public funding or financial incentives must be evaluated carefully, with transparency and a clear public benefit. I believe we must balance downtown revitalization with the needs of our residential neighborhoods and other essential city services. ”
City Council should direct more funding toward rehabilitating vacant and deteriorating homes rather than demolishing them, even if rehabilitation costs more per property.
“Charleston should prioritize rehabilitating vacant and deteriorating homes when it is practical, safe, and cost-effective to do so. Revitalizing existing properties can strengthen neighborhoods, reduce blight and preserve community character. However, properties that are structurally unsafe or beyond reasonable repair may need to be demolished. We should evaluate each property on a case-by-case basis and make every effort to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars.”
City Council should allocate more funding to housing assistance and homelessness services rather than expanding enforcement efforts targeting public camping and other activities associated with homelessness.
“I have always said that Charleston must approach homelessness with compassion while maintaining safe, clean and accessible public spaces. Housing assistance, mental health resources and substance use treatment should be part of a comprehensive response, alongside consistent enforcement of laws when necessary. We should pursue practical solutions that help people regain stability while protecting the safety and quality of life of our neighborhoods. Our goal should be to help people improve their lives, not dehumanize one another.”
Charleston City Council should allocate more street paving and drainage funding to neighborhoods with the greatest documented infrastructure needs, even if that means some wards receive less funding than others.
“Paving and drainage improvements should be guided by documented infrastructure needs, public safety and objective criteria rather than Ward boundaries or political considerations. Every neighborhood deserves attention from City Hall. Funding should be directed where it will make the greatest difference, with transparent priorities and accountability to residents we serve. ”
Charleston should direct more public funding toward improving existing residential neighborhoods to attract and retain residents, even if that means reducing funding for downtown development projects.
“Charleston's existing residential neighborhoods must be a priority if we want to attract new residents and encourage families to stay. Investments in streets, drainage, public safety, housing and neighborhood revitalization directly affect residents' daily lives. Downtown development remains important, but it should not come at the expense of the neighborhoods that make Charleston such a special place. ”
Responses are presented as submitted by candidates. An unanswered item does not imply agreement or disagreement.