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 everywhere, not just Salem, has been a growing issue for some time. Our current camping ban ordinance is not something I would have supported in its current form. Most studies show that a housing first approach to homelessness is the most effective way to bring people out of homelessness and that is an approach I would work to take as city councillor. Unfortunately, this isn't an issue that Salem will be able to take on alone. A regional response is the only way to make any real progress on this. I would propose a joint task force with our neighbors in Beverly and Peabody (and any other municipality with a shared vision), to build a master plan for homelessness that includes things like rapid rehousing, mental and physical health support, affordable housing, expanded access to transportation options, and community engagement to reshape the mindset about those experiencing homelessness in our community.
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 Since the federal government has withdrawn its support for combating climate change, including eliminating tax credits for wind and solar energy and halting federal permits for wind power, what would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 more critical than ever to make sure that Salem is doing everything within our power to combat climate change. While options can be hindered due to a lack of federal funding, I think our "Resilient Together" partnership with Beverly is a fantastic blueprint for our climate future. On top of this, we can take steps toward expanded investment in things like electric city vehicles, an increase in heavily maintained parks and greenspaces, expanded public transportation options, and safer street designs so we can see a rise in those who choose to walk or bike around our city.
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?
Without federal funding, we are in a tough spot. We must continue to look to our current partners in the private sector while simultaneously looking to grow the number of partnerships we are part of. Partnering with farms in Salem and surrounding towns to build a program that looks to help those battling food insecurity. I think it is also imperative that when we are working through our budget we are prioritizing programs that help some of our most vulnerable residents including our children and or senior citizens.
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?
While I understand that Salem High School is relatively new, I 100% support a new high school and it is a no-brainer for me. Firstly, a new building is the more fiscally responsible option. If we were to renovate the new building we would be on the hook for 100% of that bill which would be just shy of $400 million. However, should we build a new building for the school district we would be able to utilize state funds to cover around half of the expected cost, leaving us with a bill of somewhere just north of $200 million. On top of this, the current high school is a scourge on energy in Salem. It currently runs up an energy bill that eclipses all other municipal buildings combined. Building a new high school is a short-term win for the students at Salem Public Schools and a long-term win for all residents of Salem.
5. How do you plan to keep your constituents informed about policy issues before the City Council if you are elected?
I very much believe in meeting people where they are at. As a city councillor, it would be my job to communicate things to people in a manner that is best for them. While I'm out knocking doors, I'm pleasantly surprised at the amount of times someone's second question to me is "Will you keep Jeff Cohen's Newsletter going?". It's great to see so many people trying to stay involved that way and I would love to either take over the mailing list or, should Councillor Cohen like to continue his own newsletter, begin to grow my own mailing list to begin a newsletter of my own. Along with that, I intend to hold regular office hours for constituents where people could come and chat about anything on their mind. Lastly, I understand the importance of availability and accountability as an elected official. With that in mind, I would encourage anyone living in Salem to reach out to me via email, telephone, texting, USPS. I want to speak with the people that live here and whatever method of communication works for a given individual will work for me.