The growth of existing businesses and the development of new businesses is the core issue of this campaign and election.  Springfield cannot achieve its full potential if we do not consistently recruit the types of businesses that pay salaries that enable home ownership.

While in recent years our City has made big splashes with the arrival of MGM Springfield, CRRC, the Springfield Thunderbirds, and other marquee names, our economy is in need of more small and medium sized businesses to lure professionals to our City.  

I would propose the establishment of our own municipal Economic Opportunity Zones.  Working in conjunction with our Administration, area workforce agencies, and business leaders, Springfield can establish business startup incentives in key areas to ensure quality businesses succeed in EVERY NEIGHBORHOOD!

Our City hosts a half dozen colleges and universities, but has not established itself as a technology hub for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) careers, which pay some of the highest salaries to employees.  As your City Councilor, I will fight for good paying jobs that will attract and retain area students to establish themselves in our city.  

South African President Nelson Mandela once said “An educated, enlightened and informed population is one of the surest ways of promoting the health of a democracy.”  I am a proud product of the Springfield Public Schools System.  

The existing Administration and City Council should be applauded for their securing of funding needed to build new schools in the City in recent years.  I will continue that support if elected.  Our students deserve safe buildings to foster their academic success.

If elected, I would propose a Joint Education Task Force consisting of City Council, School Committee, educators, and community members to ensure the two bodies are aligned on key issues, and could provide recommendations to their respective bodies on areas to cooperate.

As an Eagle Scout, I understand the importance of protecting our natural resources.  Our ponds, rivers, and parks must continue to be spaces for wildlife to thrive, but also spaces for our residents to enjoy.  

I am opposed to the  Palmer Renewable Energy Plant proposed in East Springfield on the grounds that the plant will only worsen Springfield’s air quality, which today is already the worst ranked in the country according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.  

I will advocate that our city review all existing buildings, facilities, and undeveloped property to determine the feasibility of solar panels.  All new municipal buildings in our city should have solar panels installed to mitigate electricity costs and to foster local investment in green manufacturing and infrastructure.  

I am a proud supporter of Springfield’s ECOS Program.  I will work to expand participation in this life changing experience.

Our Police & Fire Departments are staffed by individuals who take pride in their work and the services they provide.   They perform challenging and dangerous work – they deserve our respect and support.  I will advocate for the equipment, facilities, and training needed to perform their jobs safely and effectively.

While we have the same public safety challenges that every large city faces, we face a unique image problem that keeps perspective residents and businesses from investing in Springfield.  There is a perception, right or wrong, that our Downtown is not safe, and that our Police Department is damaged beyond repair.  I believe neither statement is true, but acknowledge the challenges they create.

I believe the Department of Justice's report on misconduct and poor organization within the Police Department’s Narcotics Division must serve as a foundation to reestablish and build trust between our Police Department and our neighborhoods.  I want to fight for continued modernization and training of our Police Department to give officers every possible tool to be successful.  Our residents and officers have the same goals – mutual respect, safe streets, and a foundation built on trust and communication.  

I support the C-3 Community Police Initiative and the use of body cameras.  These initiatives have helped to modernize Springfield’s strategy towards law enforcement.  They foster the relationships needed in our neighborhoods to promote accountability and trust in policing.  

New voices are needed at the table to bridge the chasm that exists between the Mayor’s Office, the Police Department, the City Council, and our neighborhoods.  I have the unbiased perspective necessary to help restore trust, confidence, and morale in the Police Department.  

Maintaining basic city services are essential to making Springfield a safe and vibrant place to live, work, and grow.  Reputations of a city are not always formed by headlines – but rather:

• How well are our streets plowed?  How quickly are potholes filled?  

• Are our street lights lit?  Are our intersections, sidewalks, and crosswalks safe?  

• Is our garbage, recycling, yard waste, and bulk picked up on time?

• Are streets and homes free of waste and blight?

If elected to the City Council, I will propose legislation requiring City Departments to produce annual Quality of Life reports to allow city residents to assess the effectiveness of city services.

Making our city appealing to all ages requires investing in open spaces in every neighborhood.  In addition to supporting our city parks, I am excited to support:

• A Municipal Dog Park and a Bike & Skatepark

• The McKnight Highland Division Rail Trail, including an extension into East Forest Park

• Opening Long Pond in Indian Orchard to swimming, and greater access to Lake Massasoit

The City Council is responsible for setting tax rates for the fiscal year and for approving the municipal budget.  I want to bring my years of experience working for a Fortune 20 company to ensure that each dollar our City asks for is used responsibly.  

I support keeping residential tax rates low to help first time homeowners purchase homes and to help existing residents stay in their homes.  

Springfield places a high burden on our businesses – only three cities (Holyoke, North Adams, and Pittsfield) charge higher commercial tax rates.  As we look to re-build our economy in a post COVID-19 market, commercial tax rate reform is needed to protect businesses and promote new growth.  

Tax Increment Financing is an important way to help new businesses in our City be successful, and promotes a business-friendly environment that will promote future growth.  As your City Councilor I will advocate for TIF’s that include hiring requirements of local residents, and First Time Homebuyers Incentives to help the Springfield workforce become Springfield homeowners.