Why I'm Running
Salem is an incredible place because of our neighbors who live and work here. However, the high cost of living in the area threatens to push people out and prevent others from making Salem their home. Addressing the affordability crisis and preserving our quality of life is a foundational priority of mine that will inform every issue I take on as Ward 3 Councillor. I am running because I don't want anyone to face economic hardship. I want to help our neighbors overcome barriers of affordability so that they can realize their full potential, raise families here in Ward 3, and contribute to their community.
Attainable and Affordable Housing
Massachusetts is facing a housing crisis. As a renter in Salem, I am painfully aware of how expensive it is to live in the area. Our community needs a wide range of housing options that allow for different types of people and families to live here. As your Ward 3 Councillor, I will apply my knowledge as an economist and experience serving on Salem’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board to solving this issue. I will work with city leadership to advocate for a range of practical tools and policies that will encourage and preserve all housing types to include affordable housing from unlocking underutilized land to evaluating building designs that hold development back. Salem is a city of opportunity. We can grow together while preserving the rich historical character we all love.
Safe Transportation
If you live in Salem, you know how tough it can be to get around. I found that out firsthand when I moved here on Halloween weekend nearly a decade ago. Whether you are driving along Highland Ave to get to the grocery store or taking the commuter train, transportation has become more expensive, more frustrating, and in some cases, especially for pedestrians, downright dangerous. As a economist in transportation planning, I will use my expertise to help inform how the city can create a wide range of options for people to get around safely and efficiently. This means evaluating how our centuries old road system works for us today and re-imagining it as a system that prioritizes safety and works for all users. I will continue to support low cost transportation services, like the Salem Skipper, as well as other innovative transportation programs that help our most vulnerable and elderly. Transportation, like housing, is a complex challenge that requires every tool in the tool box to keep people safe, reduce time wasted in traffic, and cut down on emissions.
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Good Governance
The main responsibility of a ward City Councillor is listening to constituents and delivering basic government services when they are in need. Making sure the basics are handled like fixing roads, sidewalks, and water pipes is essential to the quality of life of the community. As your Ward 3 City Councillor, I will be attentive to the needs of our neighborhoods and create opportunities for open communication. And communication is a two-way street. Not only will I advocate when a constituent is in need, but I will also continue the tradition of keeping the Ward by newsletter email. Constituent services are often taken for granted, but for me they are a key priority.