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 Salem community has not done enough to meet the needs of our unhoused population. Having federal, state, and local buy-in is essential to any long-term solution to homelessness. As a local city councillor, I would be very limited in what I could do. I do support providing as many pathways for mental health care and substance use treatment as possible. I support Salem maintaining an updated list of available shelters and beds as well as providing transport to those shelters if needed. I support expanding our transition centers.
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 Since the federal government has withdrawn its support for combating climate change, including eliminating tax credits for wind and solar energy and halting federal permits for wind power, what would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 would begin by focusing on what climate change mitigation opportunities the Commonwealth still supports. Salem must continue to implement policies that support reliable clean energy. We have already begun making commitments to building carbon-neutral buildings, ensuring our impact is greater by partnering with Beverly (Resilient Together). Reducing our dependence on cars is a key path forward. Salem has laid the groundwork through the Salem Skipper and must keep pressure on the Commonwealth for key public transportation infrastructure changes, such as environmentally sustainable buses. Additionally, I support increasing our supply of trees and ensuring our current trees are healthy. I strongly support Salem and the Commonwealth ensuring the federal government follows through on its commitment to funding the Salem Offshore Wind Terminals. Not only will this support renewable energy but it will fuel the local economy in essential ways.
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?
I would advocate for municipal and state grants to the Salem Pantry, a key resource for residents who are food insecure. Salem must stimulate the expansion of existing programs, like Salem Pantry. If there were another opportunity for an organization like Daily Table to open in Salem, the city should do everything possible to support and encourage that.
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 support the plan to build a new high school in Salem. The state matching funds for a newly constructed high school make it the cheapest option. The only cheaper option (a code upgrade) would not meet the school’s needs and thus is not worth the expenses it would incur.
5. How do you plan to keep your constituents informed about policy issues before the City Council if you are elected?
I will keep constituents informed about policy issues through a biweekly newsletter and social media. Thus far, I have used my campaign website and newsletter to communicate in-depth information. I’ve used social media to relay short or abridged content and post links to in-depth information. I will continue this practice as a Councillor. Additionally, I plan to hold regular office hours throughout Ward 2, allowing people to drop-in and ask questions, raise concerns, or share ideas. I am committed to being accessible, listening, and engaging as many constituents as possible.