Question 1: Why are you running for Councilor and what particular skills can you bring to the position?
I'm running for Ward 7 City Councillor for a few reasons, but one of the most pressing is the lack of Black representation on the Council and lack of engagement in our district. I will bring a different perspective as a Rainbow Terrace resident experiencing poverty, as a Queer individual, as a public school parent, and as a mental health advocate. My life experiences and open-minded critical thinking skills will bring a fresh perspective to the table. I am a firm believer in the best leaders leading with empathy and striving for solutions for the people.
Question 2: What are some of your proposed solutions towards resolving the housing crisis in Salem?
I would advocate for developments to consist of 75-100% affordable housing in order to address the needs of the community. I would like to propose an approach that looks at all factors of an individual's living expenses and advocate for more affordable options for transportation, increases in minimum wage and protection for the working people of Salem, and expansion of free Pre-K.
Question 3: How do you see Salem impacted by the climate crisis and what new initiatives would you take to lead Salem's resiliency efforts?
I have noticed that we have a few interconnected crises happening at the same time. I would take a well-rounded approach to sustainability and look towards the data and experts on solutions. We need an agenda that is driven by the needs of the residents. I would like to see Salem invest in publicly owned energy as opposed to capitalist industries that are primarily focused on profit. Marblehead is doing this (https://marbleheadelectric.com/). I would like to see Salem limit water use like many surrounding cities have. We could improve on educating the residents on more sustainable alternatives to grass lawns as a starting point. There are many solutions we would need to implement as fast as possible and although I am definitely not an expert on environmental issues, it's imperative that we look towards our experts for answers and pay less attention to what industries will lose out in the process.
Question 4: Please outline some ideas you have that can enhance civic engagement at the city level.
It's important that people feel like their voices are heard and can make a difference in the community they live in. In many ways I think people are disconnected from politics because it's hard to know what is true and what is not. In order to improve civic engagement at the city level, I believe we need people from all different religions, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic backgrounds to run for local office and advocate for issues that are important to them and their respective communities. The most important factor that is often overlooked is having a trustworthy news source that can provide independent information backed by evidence. I will work to promote truth and community by engaging with Salem as a whole and keeping avenues of communication open regardless of political affiliation.
Question 5: How do you think Salem should continue working on issues of race equity, now that the City's first Race Equity Task Force has submitted its report?
I would love to see more of the global majority working as educators in our school system as well as local government. One possible solution would be a collaboration with the City of Salem and Salem State to incentivize education degrees for marginalized populations as well as a possible stipend for those attending school full-time. I would also like to see sharp increases in true affordable housing and mental health access for all. I think if Salem and respective representatives are able to start implementing these measures, people will naturally become more involved in the community and will feel compelled to give back to the community because they are able to.