Editor’s Note
This story was updated at 12:56 p.m. March 7 with the correct spelling of council at-large candidate AJ Roll’s name.
ONTARIO — Nicholas Wray wants to become president of the Unites States.
But first, he’ll start with his hometown’s city council. The 18-year-old attended the March 5 Ontario council meeting to propose a “community revitalization and affordable housing act.”
“The challenges of our time demand bold and collaborative solutions,” Wray said, “solutions that not only address the daunting shortage of affordable housing, but also breathe new life into our underserved neighborhoods.”
Wray suggested the city create a housing development fund to provide grants and low-interest loans for developers that commit to construction or rehabilitating affordable housing.
He said residents that make 80% of the area’s median income would be eligible to live in these homes, as defined by current U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development assisted housing program eligibility rules.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income in Richland County was $57,649 in 2023, or about $30,380 per capita. The median gross rent costs was $791.
Wray proposed the housing development fund and revitalization grant program be funded through a combination of city budget allocations, state and federal grants and private sector partnerships, as well as collaboration with nonprofits and community groups.
“Every resident deserves the opportunity to live in a home they can afford — a home where they feel safe, secure, and part of a thriving community,” the Pioneer student said. “By working together, we can ensure our revitalization efforts reflect the aspirations and needs of those we serve.”
Wray, Swain plan to run for Ontario City Council
Council president Eddie Gallo thanked Wray for his presentation and shared he was impressed with the student’s initiative.
“We appreciate your engagement and participation,” he said. “Having young people come forward to take those steps of involvement is very encouraging.”
Gallo said some of Wray’s goals for community revitalization are already efforts in Ontario’s comprehensive plan.
“We won’t be able to enact this completely across the board — HUD is obviously at a federal level,” Gallo said. “Affordable housing in our community is a key point of growth, so I appreciate your initiative.
“We’ll definitely consider the applicable parts of this proposal and see what we can do.”
Wray and classmate Bradley Swain plan to be back in council chambers soon, either as citizens or council members themselves.
Swain, a 17-year-old Pioneer criminal justice and homeland security student, said he also wants to be elected to office in Ontario before moving onto the Statehouse or Congress.
“I’d later like to be a representative, Speaker of the House and become a senator — maybe even vice president,” Swain said.
Also during Wednesday’s public commentary, Anderson (AJ) Roll, 19, introduced himself to council as a write-in candidate for councilman at-large. Roll was the 2024 Richland County Junior Fair king.
Other candidates who have filed for three available at-large positions include current Councilman Kyle Webb and newcomer Brennen Finfgeld.
In other news, Mayor Kris Knapp also shared that he and Councilman Josh Bradley are meeting with the Richland Area Chamber soon to discuss the next steps for the city’s new Community Investment Corporation.