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?
Homelessness is a serious and complex issue. There is a wide range of ways that people experience homelessness and for different reasons. The City has taken several approaches to help people overcome homelessness and support nonprofit organizations that offer services and housing that is necessary to helping our most vulnerable. And I commend the Salem Police Department’s Community Impact Unit, which takes on the difficult job of working directly with the unhoused community as well as the housed. Helping the unhoused requires a nuanced approach that involves supportive services as well as enforcement.
As Ward 3 Councillor, I will work to strengthen Salem’s response with policies that are cost-effective, sustainable, and rooted in dignity:
Expand housing options: I support all types of housing: different types of affordability, mixed use and income, transitional, etc. I will also advocate for zoning and permitting reforms that make housing faster and more cost-effective to build.
Strengthen outreach and safety: I will advocate for the necessary resources and funding that the Community Impact Unit needs to successfully work within the community. So that they have the staffing, training, and tools needed to address the challenges of homelessness constructively while keeping both the community and the unhoused safe.
Bolster nonprofit capacity: Encourage strong partnerships with nonprofits that use evidence-based practices and support innovative approaches that help people transition out of homelessness. I will also advocate for mental health, substance use treatment, and workforce development programs that give people the tools to achieve long-term stability.
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 Since the federal government has withdrawn its support for combating climate change, including eliminating tax credits for wind and solar energy and halting federal permits for wind power, what would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?
Climate change is one of the most pressing issues and exacerbates many other issues from homelessness to public safety. As a coastal community with much of the City within a floodplain, Salem is at a high risk. We see it in the streets of Ward 3 where flooding disrupts traffic, damages homes, and affects quality of life. The federal government’s withdrawal of support for renewable energy and climate action underscores the need for us to lead at the local level.
My experience in volunteering in disaster zones devastated by flooding has shown me the importance of resilient infrastructure. I support the City’s commitment to the climate action plan, Resilient Together, and will encourage City leadership to pursue the action items within it as well as consider additional partners to work with us and the City of Beverly. This means reevaluating how we prioritize infrastructure projects: investments should not only address deferred maintenance but also strengthen our capacity to withstand and adapt to climate impacts. We should also evaluate how the City can expand its stormwater management systems and investing in coastal and flood protection are essential steps. I will work with City staff to evaluate the current conditions of resiliency of our critical infrastructure. This is an approach that I have done in my current work with the aim to identify infrastructure in need of updating to better prioritize it for the limited funding available.
We need to be proactive, resilient, and committed to our local climate goals with or without federal support.
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 security is foundational to health, dignity, and opportunity. Having access to reasonably priced grocery options, like those offered at Daily Table, was essential for many residents to feed their families without breaking the bank. Losing the Daily Table broke my heart and I hope that we can bring in similar options into the community.
We have to support cost effective grocers and programs that support our most vulnerable folks. I’ve visited The Salem Pantry and seen firsthand the critical role it plays—not only serving our city but the surrounding region. Their commitment to providing fresh food when possible, and their success in normalizing the use of food pantries, helps reduce stigma and strengthens our community. Having worked in soup kitchens and personally relying on food assistance growing up, I know how important these services are.
As Ward 3 Councillor, I will support expanding our nonprofit food infrastructure. That means exploring how the city budget can stabilize partners like the Salem Pantry, while also investing in better information sharing so residents know what resources are available. We should investigate innovative ways to reduce transportation costs, whether by subsidizing trips to pantries, supporting delivery models, or strengthening partnerships with transit providers. We can also look at ways to change zoning so that small grocers or nonprofits can operate closer to neighborhood centers. That way we can eliminate food deserts and encourage businesses to use a smaller footprint to help with the costs of operating.
No one in Salem should have to choose between paying rent and putting food on the table. By supporting the nonprofits already doing incredible work, removing barriers, and ensuring equitable access, we can keep our community nourished and resilient.
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 plans to build a new high school in Salem and the debt exclusion proposal to fund our share of the cost. This is fundamentally about investing in the future of Salem. Our current high school is limited by outdated facilities and there is an opportunity to build a school that better reflects the demands of today’s economy.
I take seriously the concerns about funding and debt and will help the public understand the tradeoffs of voting for or against the proposal. We have an opportunity to have the State fund half of the project. Not passing the proposal will ensure that we are paying even more than what we would have cost shared, but on maintenance of an outdated facility. The long-term benefits are clear: a stronger educational system, increased property values, and a facility with an expanded innovative CTE program for preparing students for the future of work.
I’ve been meeting with key stakeholders with intimate knowledge of the school’s design and the proposal so that I can better articulate the vision of the school and the opportunity for our community. Listening to parents and educators is central, and I’ll continue to provide updates through newsletters, public forums, and community meetings so everyone is informed.
5. How do you plan to keep your constituents informed about policy issues before the City Council if you are elected?
As Ward 3 Councillor, I am committed to open and consistent communication with the community. People are busy with work and spending time with their families. Between Council business, community events, and ongoing construction projects, it can be difficult for residents to stay up to date while balancing work and family. My goal is to make it easier for Ward 3 to know what’s happening and why it matters.
I plan to publish a regular newsletter that highlights upcoming Council agenda items, key community events, and updates on local projects. I also want to use that space to share my perspective on how I approach important votes and decisions, so residents can understand both the issues at hand and the reasoning behind my positions. Transparency is essential to building trust in my positions and government.
Beyond written updates, I will host regular meet-and-greet gatherings at local Ward 3 businesses throughout the year. These events will provide opportunities for neighbors to connect, raise concerns, and share ideas in an informal setting. By combining consistent communication with accessible in-person conversations, I aim to make city government more open, accountable, and approachable. My commitment is to keep Ward 3 informed and engaged.