1. In light of a recent federal executive order on homelessness that incentivizes local policies to ban outdoor camping and to require mental health and substance use treatment, how would you assess Salem’s responses to people experiencing homelessness, and what would you plan to do if elected?
As a volunteer at the Salem pantry and a number of other organizations, and as a city councilor responding to the needs of our community members on a daily basis, I see and am continuously educating myself on the immense struggles that unhoused people here in Salem face. And as a downtown resident, I understand the impact that it has on our residents and businesses. While there is no perfect solution to this crisis, I am dedicated to continuing to find better, multilayered solutions to address the intersecting impacts of a lack of mental health services, substance use, poverty, and domestic violence.
As a City Councillor, I will continue to support the efforts of our Police Department’s Community Impact Unit to provide services and reduce the number of community members living on the streets. We need to support the critically important work the CIU does in collaboration with Lifebridge to provide services for people dealing with homelessness, addiction, and mental health issues; and support enhancing the services Lifebridge offers. This support also needs to extend to city staff that are critical to our housing efforts such as our Neighborhood Stability Coordinator.
I will continue to advocate for more permanent, supportive housing to help unhoused individuals achieve independence and stability. I support the efforts of the North Shore CDC, Harborlights, and other organizations including public/private partnerships to create additional affordable housing. And we need to encourage our neighboring cities and towns to do more to address this crisis.
2. Since the federal government has withdrawn its support for combating climate change, including eliminating tax credits for wind and solar energy and halting federal permits for wind power, what would you propose the city do to mitigate climate change and its effects locally?
I am devastated by the ongoing, destructive cuts to federal climate change programs and critical research by the current administration. As a city, we are already seeing the devastating effects of the climate crisis, particularly with coastal resiliency. I am proud of the work we’ve done since I’ve been on the council such as the Green Building Ordinance for municipal properties in 2022, the Specialized Code which qualifies us for funding opportunities, and the Flood Resiliency Overlay District, both in 2024. I will continue to work with my council colleagues and with our Sustainability and Resiliency Department, SAFE, and Salem Sound Coastwatch to continue Salem's commitment to coastal resiliency, and to reducing the environmental impact associated with the climate crisis.
I will advocate for the City of Salem to coordinate with the state to address decaying seawalls and mitigating coastal flooding on a larger scale. I have led an effort to address the flooding in the Commercial Street area with the Ward 6 Councillor, our State Representative and State Senator which resulted in a comprehensive study of the flooding in that area by MassDOT. I’m grateful for their assistance and look forward to this work continuing.
I will also continue my volunteer efforts to combat climate change which has included assisting with the Salem Sound Coastwatch planting of the Collins Cove Living Shoreline, and being a longtime volunteer at the Mack Park Food Farm, building community through urban farming and engaging the community in the benefits of regenerative farming practices.
3. With the loss of federal grants and funding for food pantries, and the closure of Daily Table, what ideas do you have for helping residents who are food insecure?
As a volunteer for the Salem Pantry for over ten years, I see first hand the devastating effect these cuts are having on our residents. The Pantry reported in April that grants they were counting on have been pulled, programs that helped local farmers bring fresh food to pantries have been eliminated, scheduled USDA deliveries are being canceled, and some of our most vulnerable neighbors are now afraid to leave their homes, even if it means going without food.
As a City Councillor, addressing food and housing insecurity is a top priority for me. Last month I attended the Salem Food Policy Council’s Community Conversation. This meeting engaged our Salem community in identifying how we can continue access to free and affordable nutritious food here in Salem. Following the recommendations of our SFPC is critical with the loss of funds that is likely to continue. We need our City Council and City Government to do everything possible to support programs that address food insecurity such as the Salem Pantry, the Mack Park Food Farm, Summer Eats Program, and other resources.
Also of equal importance is making sure residents know the resources that are available, and assuring these are safe spaces that people will be treated with dignity and respect, and address language barriers as well. I attend community meetings and use social media and my newsletter to help keep our residents informed of available resources. Thank you to the incredibly hard working volunteers and organizations doing this work!
4. Do you support or oppose the plans to build a new high school in Salem and the debt exclusion proposal to allow Salem to fund its share of the cost of the new school? Why or why not? What points would you make to communicate with Salem voters about this project?
I am very excited about the proposed plans for the new high school! Salem Public Schools are thriving; academic achievement is up, and enrollment is growing. This proposal presents a vision that enhances support for academic excellence, and athletic and arts opportunities for Salem students. I agree with the decision to propose building a new facility which is expected to take about 30 months, while renovations would take about 48 months. As a teacher in the arts, I am excited about the plans to prioritize a state-of-the-art auditorium with expanded music and performance spaces. And the proposed, more appropriately sized CTE and academic classrooms will strengthen collaboration between these programs and provide better spaces for teacher collaboration and planning.
Funding for the construction is likely headed to a citywide vote in early 2026. With the proposal at a cost of $455 million, if a ballot question passes we will get about half that amount reimbursed. If it does not pass, taxpayers will still need to pay for something to be done with the high school and we will receive no reimbursement. For those reasons, it will have my support. The future Salem High School will be a more efficient, net zero or even net positive energy building. That means it will be healthier for those who study and work in it, and it will substantially reduce the city’s annual energy bills. Right now, the current building accounts for almost 25% of the city’s annual electricity costs.
5. How do you plan to keep your constituents informed about policy issues before the City Council if you are elected?
Keeping our residents informed and engaged in our local government is incredibly important, especially during these distressing times. Nothing affects the day to day lives of our residents more than the policies we put in place as your city government. I have been sending out a lengthy, bi-weekly newsletter for the past several years that includes information on community meetings of interest, and regularly listing links to sign up to receive city news and announcements, meeting agendas, and other relevant information. I also include the SATV Government YouTube link for easy access to previous City Council and Committee meetings for viewing.
I am most proud of how responsive I have been to residents reaching out to me regarding policy and other issues before the council. With my volunteer work and community engagements, many residents know me and reach out to me via phone, email, or just a casual conversation on the sidewalk. I’ve worked hard to provide detailed answers to the many questions I receive, and make sure people feel heard and respected.
I also regularly attend community and neighborhood association meetings to make myself available for questions and feedback regarding policy and other issues before the council. Connecting with our community members is what I have enjoyed the most about serving on the City Council!