Platform
Education
My time at Central High School showed me the progress and the improvements that need to be made in our school system. I would like to see more joint sub-committees between the City Council and School Committee to exchange ideas, develop policies, and create a shared vision for Springfield's schools and its leaders.
I will propose a mentorship program where students interested in teaching can work closely with experienced teachers to help prepare them for their future. By ensuring our future teachers understand a student's experience and the unique aspects of Springfield schools, we can further the success of our education system and keep our teachers here!
We cannot achieve all of this without recognizing the hardest job in our school systems: teaching. Our teachers deserve higher pay and access to the resources that drive our children's education. They deserve recognition and meaningful benefits for shaping the future of our city.
Crime and Safety
Safety is my top priority. We must work collaboratively with our police officers and emergency services to ensure they have the resources to do their jobs effectively.
Our police force has already made great strides to accomplish this. Police officers regularly attend sector and C3 meetings to inform concerned citizens on the status of safety. We can all work cooperatively to fight against violence, illegal firearms, reckless endangering dirt bikes, and all crimes in Springfield.
I will strengthen the police presence in East Forest Park, Sixteen Acres, and the Outer Belt. I want to see walking patrols and the effects of community policing in our neighborhood.
Taxes
The issue I consistently hear from constituents is the current state of our property taxes. Our high property taxes continue to hurt the pockets of our citizens.
I will work hand in hand with other councilors and the mayor to lower the tax burden on our home and business owners.
I will work with other elected officials to come up with tax credit programs to help ease the tax burden on our seniors who are living on a fixed income! They have paid into our system and deserve to reap the rewards.
Economic Development
Springfield has a rich history of industry and economic innovation. We need new and unique businesses to contribute to its cultural identity.
As a city councilor, I want to create a “Small Business Working group”. This will encourage collaboration with civic associations and emerging entrepreneurs throughout the city, providing business owners with the necessary permits, funding, financial literacy programs, and resources to establish new small businesses.
Term Limits
Career Politicians are out of touch. Once politicians think its “their seat” public service becomes an afterthought. That is why it is important for new leadership, new energy, and new ideas to recharge our local government and make our community more successful.
I will propose term limits that would consist of “5” two year terms.
Quality of Life
I will fight to provide better nighttime lighting downtown, clean our streets of litter and waste, pave our streets, and fix potholes. If any specific examples of this directly affects you, please use the ‘contact me’ page and help make me more aware of them!
I will champion the need for clean air and water. I would oppose certain factories and development projects that will contribute to air pollution and harm our environment. I will oppose attempts at “clear-cutting” the trees that provide much-needed shade, cooling, and air quality. I will also address the decline in our water quality and ensure that our Water and Sewer department has the resources it needs to make Springfield’s water safe!
