Why are you running for Councillor and what particular skills can you bring to the position?
I am running to represent my family and my community. Family is the most important thing to me besides God, and Salem has given me support in raising my family and becoming a homeowner. I have learned through many experiences what it takes to have a beautiful life in Salem, and I want everyone who lives here to have that same opportunity. I have been a teacher, a business owner, a community leader, and raised a family. I know what to fight for because I know many Salem residents have the same dreams and concerns as me.
We have a large percentage of Latino residents and right now I am the only councilor who can communicate effectively in English and Spanish and have grown up in that culture. I have a strong belief in the importance of being independent and working across the aisle. I do not believe we can make the best decisions when politicians are working against each other, or when there are members of our community who do not think their voice is heard or that the people representing them already have their mind made up. I believe I have proven my dedication to this city and will work every day to continue to do so.
Residents are facing housing instability and displacement. Do you have specific plans that would protect renters in the city?
There are no simple solutions and no one silver bullet to resolve the housing affordability crisis. We must focus on concrete and creative measures. It will require us working together in innovative ways. We have to develop a long-term plan for housing in Salem and stick to that plan. We must bring everyone together to make that plan. We need it to be flexible enough to allow developers to provide new housing options but defined enough to not displace our current residents. We need to be transparent and inform the community about what is happening and why, and we need to use housing formulas that include low income projects, mixed housing projects, housing for seniors, and housing for our veterans. I will work to make that plan happen, and I will not sign off on policies that move people out of our community.
As part of that plan we must offer incentives and tax breaks for developing affordable housing. Salem has entered into contracts and offered tax breaks and public land to projects that require market rate development. We need to partner with developers that are offering affordable housing at 60% AMI and at a minimum of 30% of the units.
Offer Municipal bonds (via ballot) for affordable housing.
Bring back Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance.
And we need to be on the cutting edge of development focused on faster building, increased productivity, and lower costs.
Salem is already seeing the effects of the climate crisis, including flooding during storms and high tides. Focusing on what you would do, what are your top priorities to mitigate the climate crisis?
The whole world is impacted by the climate crisis. Salem is on the coast and could eventually have a problem if the sea level continues to rise. We need to continue to look for sustainable solutions. One initiative that I support and will continue to support is promoting solar energy. Through Solarize Mass, Salem has partnered with Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC), the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) to offer cheaper solar energy for Salem residents. We also need to work with Salem State University and our local scientists and organizations to educate residents on steps everyone can take to live more sustainably. We can all try to carpool more, walk or use bicycles, use less water, pick up trash, and do little things to change the negative impact we are having on the climate.
Salem strives to be a diverse, equitable, and inclusive city. What have you done to lead on these ideals and how will you support work in this area?
As a member of the equity force and as a Latino American resident that I am, I see the intention of this administration to create and start the conversation about racial inequality very interesting, Salem has been a city where by its great majority welcomes all races, but I think it was due to start the conversation long before the issue became National, thus creating a political environment that in the eyes of many is not right. I believe that we still have to continue talking about racial inequality, systematic racism and the lack of inclusivity at all levels in Salem and make sure that all individuals and organizations are part of that conversation. I understand that this is only the beginning and I congratulate the authorities for the initiative.
On average, 30% of Salem residents voted in the past municipal elections. Please outline some ideas you have that can enhance voter engagement and elections.
The first thing to do is to continue to listen to Salem residents and be a voice for their ideas and concerns. I also want to offer more community conversations and events where all of Salem can come together to get educated on what is happening in the city and share their ideas and concerns. I want to make events available in multiple languages, so everyone has a voice. The last thing I want to do is to offer mentorship to people who want to run for official city positions or who want to learn what they can do to be involved. I want to make opportunities for everyone to be able to be involved in supporting Salem.