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?
If elected, I would push for Salem to focus on compassionate, evidence-based approaches to ending the cycle of homelessness—especially as new federal incentives push cities toward criminalization. Policies like low-entry housing and with a focus on harm reduction have a strong track record of helping people transition out of the cycle of homelessness.
I support initiatives in Salem that reflect these proven models. The Harborlight Homes Individual Supportive Housing model through the Lifebridge expansion project is a great example. These small studio apartments, with on-site case management, provide ongoing stability and support, which is why they have such a high success rate. I’d like to see this model expanded across Salem and the North Shore in small neighborhood buildings, which also help people stay connected to family and support networks.
I also appreciate the work of the SPD Community Impact Unit, which takes a more community-centered approach to outreach with better training. Long-term, I would advocate for building this into a civilian-led response team composed primarily of healthcare professionals and community members trained in trauma-informed care and de-escalation.
Treating homelessness primarily as a criminal or behavioral problem ignores the structural realities—housing scarcity, underfunded mental health care, and addiction. Salem should lead with dignity, evidence, and compassion, even in the face of shifting federal priorities.
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 Since the federal government has withdrawn its support for combating climate change, including eliminating tax credits for wind and solar energy and halting federal permits for wind power, what would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 strongly supported Salem’s adoption of the Specialized Energy Code, which holds new construction to higher energy efficiency standards. However, there is more work we can do with existing buildings. Many of our municipal and school buildings could use refitting to meet more modern energy standards. This is a major reason why I support building the new high school. The current building is extremely inefficient, costing more in energy costs than every other municipal building combined.
I would also love to use this moment and potential new high school to prepare our students for the clean energy economy. By expanding Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs at the new high school, we can connect young people directly to growing sectors like solar installation, energy-efficient construction, and climate resilience infrastructure.
On the matter of coastal resilience, particularly in flood-prone areas like Ward 5, we must invest in stronger sea walls, upgraded pumping systems, and stormwater infrastructure. Some of these projects are already underway, but will need additional funding and prioritization to move forward.
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?
The closure of Daily Table has essentially created an affordable food desert in Salem’s Point neighborhood, making it harder for residents to access healthy, affordable groceries—especially with cuts to bus service and longer wait times for Salem Skipper rides. While Market Basket remains affordable, it’s not accessible to many without reliable transportation. I would love to partner with food-focused nonprofits and community leaders to develop a sustainable, community-driven grocery alternative in the neighborhood to fill this critical gap.
Food insecurity among Salem’s children is also a major concern, often linked with mental health challenges and hurting children's ability to learn. I strongly support full-year school breakfast, lunch, and snack programs. No child should ever have to struggle to focus because they are hungry.
Salem also currently depends heavily on nonprofits like the Salem Food Pantry and North Shore Community Health Partners to fill vital public health roles, both for food access and also broader healthcare access, which is closely tied. It’s critical we support these organizations by helping them secure stable, permanent locations for their operations, assisting with grant funding, and providing any additional resources necessary to sustain their work. By strengthening these partnerships, we can better address food insecurity and related health needs in Salem’s most vulnerable communities.
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 strongly support the new Salem High School project and will vote yes on any related city council decisions.
My first reason is that it is a fiscally responsible decision. The state requires us to either renovate the existing building or build a new one. Renovations would cost Salem about $350 million, all covered by Salem taxpayers. Building a new building is estimated at around $450 million in cost, but the state will cover roughly half, meaning the city’s share is about $225 million. Essentially, building a new school saves the city tens of millions while delivering a new facility.
Second, I am thrilled about the potential energy savings. The current building wastes nearly $1 million annually in energy costs—more than all other municipal buildings combined. A new school would dramatically reduce this burden and use space and grounds more efficiently.
The new building also gives us the opportunity to use the grounds more effectively for learning and student life. The new campus includes a brand-new sports complex right on site, improving access for student athletes and boosting Salem’s athletics programs. It also opens opportunities to expand Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, which will address regional workforce needs.
These are the points I’ve made clear to voters as I knock thousands of doors in Ward 5. All parents want their children to attend a school that’s safe, modern, and well-equipped. This is consistent with the feedback I’ve received while door-knocking.
5. How do you plan to keep your constituents informed about policy issues before the City Council if you are elected?
If elected, I plan to keep constituents informed and engaged through multiple channels. I currently run a weekly newsletter for Solidarity Rising covering policy issues across the North Shore, and I would launch a similar weekly Ward 5 newsletter—focusing on community events, infrastructure updates, public comment opportunities, and policy summaries.
But newsletters alone aren’t enough. Community engagement means meeting people where they are. Over the past year, as a community organizer, I’ve attended neighborhood meetings like the Point Neighborhood Association and Pioneer Terrace Tenant Union meetings to listen and gather feedback firsthand. I also prioritize attending community events to connect with residents I might not otherwise meet.
Understanding that many have busy lives, I also believe in hosting kid-friendly, fun community events as a way to bring neighbors together and open informal conversations about local issues. My fiancé and I started an annual block party for our neighborhood, and I’m supporting efforts to revive the South Salem Community Group as another space for dialogue.
I’m also a strong believer in door-knocking, even outside of election season, to raise awareness about local projects and meetings relevant to residents.
Finally, I will maintain active social media, provide accessible contact info as I do now, and hold regular office hours. I’m always happy to chat by phone or over coffee to discuss how we can improve Ward 5.