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 the cost of living continues to rise, so does our need for more services and programs that can help people get back on their feet. I am not in the business of pushing people out of our community or clearing out people’s belongings after 24 hours. I am in the business of educating and learning how we can support individuals. Every person is unique and has a reason for where they live today. Our unhoused population are not the only ones who are dealing with housing insecurity; it is renters, folks who work three jobs and anyone who continues to put a larger portion of their pay checks toward housing. As a city councilor I will work with our partners across the city and state to ensure we are meeting people where they are and providing the resources needed to get folks back on the right track.
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 Since the federal government has withdrawn its support for combating climate change, including eliminating tax credits for wind and solar energy and halting federal permits for wind power, what would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?
We need to continue our local efforts through organizations like Salem Sound Watch. They have done great work at Collins Cove and the plans for Winter Island are much needed to mitigate the coastal erosion at Derby Light and Waikiki Beach. I will be an ally on the City Council to cut permitting time and work to strengthen relationships at the local and state level to ensure we are moving these projects along in a timely fashion. We need to act now. The Collins Cove project took four years to permit and that is time we don’t have.
When it comes to offshore wind and solar we need to continue to educate residents on the positive impacts it will have on the environment and the economy, so when things change at the federal level, we as a community are all in on a better, cleaner future.
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 need to ask neighbors and our community to come together to help one another. Educate on food waste and continue to promote ways in which our community can volunteer through time or resources. We also have to have a conversation as a city on how we can bring a non-profit food market into our community. Using a TIF to make this a reality is something I would propose as a city councilor.
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?
Yes, I support the plans for a new high school. I am 100% committed to education and believe it is the backbone of a community. I would look to fund some of the cost locally through the 800,000 tourists we see annually. For too many years now, we have continued to roll out the red carpet for tourists and visitors. I would like to start rolling out the red carpet for our residents. Venice Italy has taken a stance against over tourism, and I believe we can learn something from the global movement and come up with a strategy that works for Salem. For example, let's charge tour bus companies $500 to park for the day. That cost would be divided by the 55 seats costing less than $10 per person on that bus. That won’t deter visitors from shopping at our local shops or eating at our food establishments. Our community and students need 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?
Communication is a top priority of mine and one that will continue as a city councilor. Constituent Services is a huge part of the job and can only be done when a councilor listens, learns and acts on the needs and requests of residents. I will ensure we are getting information out to everyone via all social media channels. We will also hold quarterly meetings for all ward 1 community members. I will hold drop-in office hours monthly and continue to be highly visible in the neighborhood.