Home municipality
Madison
Home ZIP code
53713
Preferred pronouns
she/her
Know Your Candidates Interview
The City has made remarkable progress in addressing the need for more affordable rental/home-owner housing through zoning changes, City funding, and some high-density housing.
Supply of affordable housing can be increased by expanding zoning for duplex/triplex and Accessory Dwelling Units; increasing funding for Community Land Trust which decreases housing cost, and permitting high-rise apartments near transit and employment centers where demand for nearby housing is high .
We could also help homeowners on fixed incomes age in place by holding their real estate taxes stable.
We must be sensitive to issues of walkability and pedestrian/bicycle safety of in high traffic areas such as Park St. and lower density residential areas. Create "resting areas", small areas with benches, sidewalk patios for businesses, pocket parks with fencing for children to safely play.
Provide adequate lighting for safe night-time walking.
Allow for growth that respects the legacy of established, often family-run businesses and provide for a means of peaceful co-existence. Be sensitive to rising real estate taxes with growth that can especially impact smaller businesses and residences.
I believe the critical priorites are: 1. keeping and creating affordable housing; 2. promoting CARES - EMT's and social workers who calmly and kindly intervene in mental health and substance abuse crises; 3. carefully monitor and moderate the liquor licenses in high traffic areas such as Park St.;4. Listen and advocate for all residents of district (43% Latino, 10% Black/African American, 39% White/Caucasian, 5% Asian). Creating monthly (bilingual) updates on district issues and having gatherings where upcoming issues can be addressed and resident input gathered and brought to Common Council.
I've lived in District 14 for 13 years and put my roots down in this neighborhood.
I know how to create affordable housing: MS from UW School of Business, in housing and particularly affordable housing. I worked at WHEDA (Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority) and DOA creating affordable rental housing in urban and rural areas.
I'm a part-time chaplain in care center - I know how to listen and hear people's grief, questions, wants and needs.
I believe in 2nd chances - work as a Peacemaker with Community Restorative Justice.
I believe in people's ability to heal - I'm Supervisor and Facilitator of women's Alanon meeting at Dane County Jail.
I have energy and stamina - do triathlons and qualified for 2026 Triathlon Nationals
Home municipality
Madison
Home ZIP code
53713
Preferred pronouns
He/Him
Know Your Candidates Interview
The city is making good progress but needs to do more. The strongest tool we have available right now is approving the development of more dense, multi-family housing across the city. However, the city should be preparing for what we will do when Democrats retake control of the state legislature and strike down Republican preemption laws. With those gone, Madison will be free to purchase more land for the express purpose of developing affordable housing and will also be able to control the rate at which rent increases, making sure that housing that is affordable today stays affordable.
We can still care for our environment, our community, and our history while developing new housing and other businesses. By building complete, walkable communities, we can mitigate the impact on traffic. We can make sure our history is preserved by making sure new development fits the aesthetics of a neighborhood and pays tribute to what came before. And we can safeguard our environment by ensuring that every new development proposal goes through a rigorous review on its water usage, energy usage, and impact on the local ecosystem.
Affordable Housing: We must continue the development of new housing across the city and prepare more effective policies for when state preemption laws end.
Local Redevelopment: The redevelopment of Park St and the Alliant Energy Center will have major impacts on district 14. I'll make sure that these new developments provide more housing and small business opportunities for our district, without overly disrupting the neighborhoods.
Stopping ICE: We all need to stand together to stop the violent, unconstitutional acts of ICE. Madison needs a proactive plan to protect our neighbors from ICE.
I've served in leadership positions in the local and state Democratic Party, working with candidates across the county to build coalitions and pass progressive policies. I also served as Chair of Madison's Landlord Tenant Issues Committee and as a member of the Capital Area Regional Planning Commission, which lends me insight into how to tackle our problems on affordable housing and environmental preservation.
