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?
I don't think that we really have a plan. We've been reactive, which is often the problem in government at all levels. By the time we start planning a problem has often already become too large to be able to address effectively. How do we require treatment when the facilities aren't there and the funding is inadequate? I would like to see Salem form its own street outreach team run by a qualified professional who would lead a small team to work in partnership with the Lifebridge outreach team and out SPD CIU to identify those homeless who need mental health and/or substance abuse treatment. It is also advisable to work closely with the Epstein Mental health & Behavioral Center at NSMC more closely and perhaps work out a PILOT agreement with them to help fund the effort.
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 Since the federal government has withdrawn its support for combating climate change, including eliminating tax credits for wind and solar energy and halting federal permits for wind power, what would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?
It's difficult for the city to do more on a large scale. Working more closely and possibly providing additional funding for small groups like Salem Sound Coastwatch would be helpful if practicable. Continuing to advocate for developers to incorporate sustainability aspects in their projects is advisable. We need to continue to advocate with state and federal government long-term in anticipation of potential changers of the attitude in Washington D.C. may change after the mid-term elections and the next presidential election.
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 to find additional ways to support and fund the Salem Pantry and its mission. perhaps even help them to expand. Our community gardens have been successful and we should look at adding more into some other neighborhoods. The Summer Eats program has been successful and could be used to model similar, smaller programs that could run year round bringing fresher food to families that are challenged by raising food prices after school hours.
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?
It's important that we build a new school, and also make sure that it will properly serve our future school-age population. It has to be funded somehow in an age where construction costs have become beyond prohibitive, and almost impossible to fund with a debt exclusion or overide. I don't like it, but I don't see a way around it. The argument comes down to do we build a new school or not? Our children need and deserve a quality education regardless of the current political and financial climate. We need to be careful however, and not become dependent on exceeding our levy/limits/ceilings.
Newsletters have become all the rage nowadays, but are limited in that they only reach those that choose to receive. Social media is still an effective way to communicate, but is also limited. Direct constituent outreach is still effective. Being present in the ward, attending neighborhood group meetings, speaking directly with people individually or in small groups on a regular basis is still the best, but not the easiest way. Maintaining regular informal office hours at different locations businesses in the ward are also good.
5. How do you plan to keep your constituents informed about policy issues before the City Council if you are elected?
The answer to question 4 applies here too. But there are times too when a councillor should be out knocking on doors and asking ward residents for their views, especially when a proposal or project is happening on properties that are nearby.