Issues

Photo by Jackie Lustgarten

FISCAL ACCOUNTABILITY & TRANSPARENCY

Raleigh residents deserve a voice and a vote on city issues. I want to ensure transparency, no more secret voting. Raleigh citizens should be able to have input on how money is spent. The current City Council extended their term and increased their salaries with no vote from you or me! I believe that you should have access to how each council member voted on an issue within 24 hours of a decision. Community feedback is crucial for this city’s success!

PARKS

Raleigh city parks are a treasure! But right now we need to pause on park expansion and new spending. We need to reallocate funds toward critical issues that generate affordable housing, public safety, and timely emergency services. This approach ensures YOUR tax dollars are invested wisely, providing the best return for our vibrant growing city.

FIRST RESPONDERS & IMPROVED PUBLIC SAFETY

Our first responders want support. Raleigh Firemen and Police numbers need to match the growth of our population so we’re aways able to respond to public safety needs in a timely manner. Our first responders deserve a salary that covers their cost of living in Raleigh. I want them to afford life in the city that they sacrifice time and personal safety to serve and protect.

Since 2001, the population of Raleigh has doubled while the number of police officers has decreased. Make that make sense! It’s no wonder crime has significantly increased. Over 50 people move to Raleigh a day! If we don’t increase our police presence, crime will continue to rise. When the city is safer, people go out and enjoy the community amenities and patronize local business more frequently. Let’s take care of them because they take care of us.

AVAILABLE & ATTAINABLE HOUSING

We need to consider converting and/or removing underutilized properties that drain our resources. There is a deficit of affordable owner-occupied housing like townhomes or condos. Let’s evaluate the use of various unused buildings and property and encourage development that increases home ownership opportunities. This would shift the current tax burden and generate new tax base contributors.

Home owners typically have a sense of pride and vested interest in the well-being of the community. As your City Council member, I want to encourage the creation of more available and attainable housing to build a safer, more cohesive, and vibrant community.

ECONOMY

Raleigh needs to reduce the debt and unnecessary spending. The current City Council continues to drive up our debt. We currently owe $2 billion. Working families deserve to afford their groceries with money left over to save and enjoy. Raleigh also needs reduced taxes. By broadening our tax base we can put money back in citizen’s pockets to stimulate the economy and enjoy all Raleigh has to offer, especially our incredible small businesses. Local business owners are the backbone of our city and deserve support!