VOTE411 Voter Guide

As an urban planner, I work in economic development for ConnecToledo, the Downtown Toledo Development corporation. I have worked to attract hundreds of millions of dollars of private and public sector investment to downtown Toledo for housing, infrastructure, and parks and recreation investment. Additionally I have served as a governing board member for the Toledo Design Center, Grace Community Center, the Old West End Association, and the Historic Vistula Foundation.

My priorities are to rebuild and attract reinvestment to our neighborhoods. We will be successful in this endeavor if we can reimagine our regulatory structure to attract and promote small business growth, if we focus our infrastructure investments towards a high quality of life, and if we reposition and improve our housing stock to grow our population.

Throughout my life and career, I have accumulated a diverse set of experiences that have uniquely prepared me for the position I am seeking on Toledo City Council. I have been actively involved in grassroots organizing and advocacy efforts in Toledo for many years. From volunteering with local nonprofits to participating in community forums and campaigns, I have developed a deep understanding of the issues facing our city and a strong commitment to serving its residents. My professional background in nonprofit and academia has equipped me with valuable skills in critical thinking, leadership, public speaking, research, among others. These skills are essential for effective governance and will enable me to navigate complex issues leading to informed decisions. I have held leadership positions in various capacities, including serving as President in the Graduate Student Association during the pandemic, Chair of the Ohio Food Policy Network, and various Boards.

When I win this campaign and assume office, my primary goal is to deliver tangible results that improve the lives of all Toledo residents. This would include promoting economic growth that benefits all communities in Toledo by investing in small businesses and supporting initiatives for fair, livable wages. For education, I will prioritize funding for public schools, support teachers and staff, and work to address disparities in educational outcomes. As an environmentalist and food equity advocate, I will promote and create policies that would address environmental injustices, specifically food insecurity and access. Lastly, housing is vital, so I will work to increase affordable housing options, while also advocating for policies that prioritize housing stability for all. All of these priorities will be achieved by collaboration with community partners and listening to the needs of residents.

I was Secretary of the Mudhens Booster Club, the Ed. Chair of Tree Toledo and the VC of Adams Post 642 SAL. I attend block watch and Clean Lake Erie meetings. I am a poll worker. I read council rules and attend meetings. I participated in the downtown and recovery plans. I attend Plan Commission meetings. I discussed the Explorer Program with police. I volunteered on a group to combat gun violence and was cited by MDA as a Gun Sense Candidate. I attend First Thursday luncheons covering fair housing, racism and Pre-K education. I resolved problems on water treatment plants. I address root causes; not symptoms. I have written remedial and generic corrective actions to ensure complete solutions. I supervised engineers at nuclear plants and oversaw more than thirty as a manager. As a PM. I completed projects within schedule and budget. My experience with technical specifications and contracts aligns with the review of city proposals. This skill translates to the prep of city ordinances.

Government should provide citizen safety, spend taxes for the common good, and improve the quality of life. I support the four ex-mayor, Violent Crime Ordinance proposal. Increase police presence to stop speeding. In addition to academy qualifications, police hiring should consider “poise under pressure,” empathy and Toledo residency. The CRB should provide checks on abuse. Repair the roads. Create a spending plan that can predict the end to road repair levies. Vacant properties should be filled with diverse residential housing for the homeless, veterans, families and seniors. Promote ownership for generational prosperity through equity. Distinct neighborhoods should be afforded more input on land use planning. zoning and sidewalk locations. Intracity competitions should be arranged to bolster neighborhood pride. Maintain the Collins Park and Bayview plants. Improve tree canopy to prevent hot spots and soil erosion. Use permeable material for parking areas to prevent flooding.