Issues

 
Economic Development Transparency and Accountability Public Safety Public Health Environment 


Economic Development(back to top)

A strong economy creates economic opportunities, protects assets, supports innovation, and reduces economic inequality, shifting from a focus on individuals and the “well connected” to prioritizing community-centered policies that focus on uplifting struggling and working families. I fight for:

Job Development:
  • Strong residency requirements for city and local jobs
  • Ensure fairness and equality in economic activities by developing community based agreements for keeping jobs in Springfield
  • Create stronger collaborations for local workers to be part of private investment and development
  • Protect the rights of workers who have a CORI background, who are eligible to work
  • Support business incentives for training, apprenticeships and internships for the new generation of Springfield residents
  • Attract new workers by having first-time homebuyer and tuition reimbursements programs for city and local jobs


Small Businesses:

  • Develop stronger relationships between the business community and city government
  • Support locally developed business associations to help build grassroots solutions
  • Increase small business development for underserved populations


Economic Fairness and Equality:

  • Work to create a “rent-to-own” program for city residents.
  • Ensure fair employment practices for employees, including the right to unionize.
  • Audit city departments for gender and racial disparities in pay.
  • Require reporting on economic inequality in Springfield.
  • Develop and create a free wireless network for Springfield residents

 

Transparency and Accountability(back to top)

Good government responds to the diverse needs of its constituents, helping to create economic opportunities, protect its residents and continuously ensure positive development of neighborhoods by being open and accountable to the entirety of the community.
  • Expand the Language Access Ordinance to every city department to ensure that community feels engaged in collaboratively addressing public safety
  • Develop stronger transparency for annual budgeting process
  • Fight to ensure that diverse voices are part of vision of rebuilding Springfield

 

Public Safety(back to top)

Achieving a reduction in crime requires a comprehensive strategy that connects residents to essential services of prevention, increases communication between community residents and institutions of protection, and supports rehabilitation as well as punishment.  I will work to:
  • Develop a community policing strategy throughout the city that creates opportunities for local business, community groups, residents and police to work together
  • Reinstate a Civilian Review Board with the ability to fully commend our local enforcement as well as investigate.
  • Support afterschool and summer programming for young people
  • Fight for stronger anti-bullying protocols and procedures throughout city departments and school

 

Public Health(back to top)

A healthy Springfield addresses the broad physical, social and emotional needs of our community that will positively impact crime reduction, job attainment and social cohesion. I am committed to:
  • Pushing for drug prevention programs for young people and adults
  • Developing a comprehensive strategy that engages community input to address HIV/AIDS
  • Advocating for the building of more grocery stores to help children get better access to fresh fruits and vegetables
  • Supporting access to comprehensive sexual education and contraception 

 

Environment

Ensuring that community residents have access to clean air, healthy drinking water, and green spaces is central to creating a sustainable Springfield that reduces our carbon footprint while improving the city’s quality of life.  I will strive to:

  • Increase the city-wide recycling program.
     
  • Develop internal city policies on waste management and recycling.