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 life long resident of our city, a retired Salem firefighter and former two-term city councillor, I have personally witnessed an increase in our homeless population within our city. As a firefighter I have responded to numerous calls at our homeless shelter's former and present locations. I feel the current city council was correct in restricting outdoor camping and attempting to help those in need to find a safe place to go. It was heartbreaking to see people living outside in tents around our city. I feel that Lifebridge and the Salem Police Community Impact Unit are doing their very best to help those that are homeless in our city. Since our assistance to the homeless population has greatly increased over the last 20 years I would like to see those residents who reside close to our shelter have their voices heard. The proposed expansion of programs and buildings have many concerned. I would like to see our surrounding cities and towns help out with this growing problem so that our community in Salem is not overwhelmed. It would also be a good idea to increase the staffing in our Community Impact Unit so they can expand their services.Since the federal government has withdrawn its support for combating climate change, including eliminating tax credits for wind and solar energy and halting federal permits for wind power, what would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?
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 Since the federal government has withdrawn its support for combating climate change, including eliminating tax credits for wind and solar energy and halting federal permits for wind power, what would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 feel that one of the biggest issues with climate change in Salem is the increasing levels of our storm surges along the coast. As the ocean levels rise our sea walls have to be looked at more closely. Those sea walls that are now too low or in need of repairs must be addressed as soon as possible. If the Federal Government is not providing the proper support for combatting climate change we need to come together as a city government and increase the funds in our Capital Improvement Plan. For fiscal year 2026, $957,000 has been set aside for seawall projects. We will have to take a close look in next years fiscal budget planning to see if we can dedicate more funds in our Capital Improvement Plan, (CIP). In the last few years, certain neighborhoods in our city have dealt with severe flooding which also makes it unsafe for residents and first responders. Many residents living close to the coastline have sustained serve damage to their homes and personal property and our city government should do everything possible to help improve their situation.
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?
We have seen our cost of living expenses increase tremendously over the last few years. These increases have had a negative impact on many in our city and across the country. Many families are struggling and having a tough time purchasing food. Our food pantries have done a tremendous job in helping those in need feed their families. We can't afford to have any of our food pantries close and must look for ways to secure more food donations. I like that our city has a "Peas for Fee's" ticket amnesty program which allows for the waiver of late fees on parking tickets in exchange for the donation of canned goods. Maybe we could expand on this program for other late fee charges in the city? We have to take a closer look at all options available to see how our food pantries could receive more donations.
4. Do you support or oppose the plans to build a new high school inSalem 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 recently attended a meeting a couple of months ago regarding the building of a new high school. The meeting was very informative and opened my eyes to the current condition of Salem High School. During the meeting I learned that Salem High uses between $800,000 to $1,000,000 in utility costs each year. A new high school could save on these cost tremendously using different energy options. I attended Salem High School and graduated in 1986. When I started my first year of high school the building was only 5 or 6 years old but seemed to have many problems. The meeting I attended provided different options ranging from repairing the current building up to constructing a new building. It was shown that the city would receive the most funds for building a new high school. I felt looking at the numbers it made more sense to have a new school for our students. As the process moves forward my biggest concern is how the city will pay for this. I would like to see every resident have a voice in how we proceed. People will want to know how much their tax bills will increase in order to pay for a new high school.
5. How do you plan to keep your constituents informed about policy issues before the City Council if you are elected?
I feel that a city councillor should always be very informative to their constituents and make sure their voices are heard in council chambers. During my first term as a city councillor in 2018 we used to have monthly ward meetings at the AOH on Boston St. There were a few Ward 4 residents who used to run these monthly meetings. I enjoyed attending these meetings and giving updates on current issues in our city. However, during my second term we had to stop our Ward 4 meetings due to COVID. Sadly, these meetings had to be cancelled for the rest of my term due to being unable to meet in person. If I am elected again to serve as the next Ward 4 City Councillor, I would like to have these meeting held again. I also have always liked using social media to keep the residents of Ward 4 and the rest of the city informed on current and upcoming projects. Utilizing in person ward meetings as well as social media would allow me the best way to relay information quickly. As a ward councillor I fully understand that your on duty 24/7 including weekends and holidays to help resolve any issues that need attention.