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?
The recent federal executive order incentivizing bans on outdoor camping and forced treatment is deeply misguided and harmful. It criminalizes poverty instead of addressing its root causes. I was proud — and disappointed — to be the sole vote against Salem’s “No-Camping Ordinance,” which punishes our unhoused neighbors for being victims of broken systems. We need to approach this issue with compassion and evidence-based solutions.
If re-elected, I will work to repeal this ordinance and instead focus on expanding shelter capacity by supporting partners like Lifebridge, advancing the Single Room Occupancy ordinance to create more low-threshold housing, and advocating for a fully staffed Office of Neighborhood Stability to support and protect our housing-insecure neighbors. I also support a Right to Counsel for tenants and a Just Cause for Evictions ordinance — two critical protections to help prevent homelessness before it starts.
I believe that we deserve a city council that fights for marginalized communities and has the moral courage to address the big challenges that are holding working class people and families back. My work in community organizing and coalition building for progressive values taught me how to bring amazing people from all walks of life together towards a common goal. Working on the campaigns of other candidates and being a part of teams that have lobbied for legislation and passed ballot initiatives has left me with a deep understanding of policy and more importantly an understanding of how make that policy a reality.
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 Since the federal government has withdrawn its support for combating climate change, including eliminating tax credits for wind and solar energy and halting federal permits for wind power, what would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?
Despite the federal government’s retreat from climate leadership, Salem must continue pushing forward. I was proud to support the adoption of the Specialized Stretch Energy Code — the highest standard for building efficiency — as a key step in reducing emissions from our building sector.
I’ve also been a strong advocate for reducing car dependency by creating safer streets for walking, biking, and public transit. That includes expanding service and access, such as the new South Salem MBTA station, and reforming zoning to allow more small businesses in residential neighborhoods — bringing goods and services closer to where people live.
As a coastal city, climate resiliency is also a top priority. I’m committed to protecting our shoreline and infrastructure from the impacts of sea-level rise. Additionally, I’m proud to be leading efforts — along with Councilor Merkl — to regulate gas-powered leaf blowers, which contribute significantly to emissions and harm air quality, especially for workers.
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?
Food insecurity is a growing crisis in our community, and the loss of federal funding and resources only deepens that need. As a member of the Administration and Finance Committee, I’ll advocate for a city budget that directly reflects the scale and urgency of food insecurity in Salem.
We must also address the root causes of food deserts. I support zoning changes and economic incentives that would allow small grocery stores to open in every neighborhood, improving local access to healthy, affordable food. I’ve had the privilege of visiting and volunteering at Mack Park Food Farm — a vital community resource — and I will continue to be an ally to them and to the Food Policy Council. Their recommendations deserve serious attention and implementation support from the City Council.
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 strongly support the plans to build a new high school in Salem and the debt exclusion proposal to help fund it. Every student deserves a safe, modern, and inspiring place to learn — and our current high school building no longer meets that standard. Investing in public education infrastructure is an investment in equity, economic development, and climate responsibility.
I deeply respect the leadership of the School Committee, my values align closely with theirs and seeing them lead thoughtfully on all issues including this one gives me confidence to defer to their expertise throughout this process. I would encourage voters to see this project as a long-term investment in our youth and our city’s future.
5. How do you plan to keep your constituents informed about policy issues before the City Council if you are elected?
Transparency and accessibility are key to building public trust. I currently use social media to regularly update constituents about council matters and maintain a newsletter with over 5,000 subscribers. I plan to move to a more consistent and predictable schedule for the newsletter and expand its reach and accessibility — including options for translated content.
I also want to increase awareness of how residents can engage with the City Council: how to attend meetings, give public comment, and access agendas, minutes, and recordings online. In the absence of some councilors who have provided outstanding civic communication and are stepping down, I’m committed to helping fill that gap and continuing to make local government more visible, transparent, and responsive.