My Policy Priorities:
Rebuilding Democracy: My students will tell you that the only time I get heated in the classroom is when I’m talking about political efforts to undermine democratic process. Sadly it’s a topic that comes up way to often in this day and age. Gerrymandering and voter suppression have eroded the democratic institutions that made this state great. Reinvigorating democracy means starting where we live. I’m committed to a local government that is transparent, responsive, and open to public input. Restoring democratic institutions in this state also requires public officials who will use their office to push for change in Madison. I promise to use my platform to push for changes in State Government and to organize with like-minded local officials across the state to ensure that Wisconsin returns to the traditions of popular government that made it one of the most innovative and democratic states in the nation.
Economic Development: We need to ensure that the corporate partners we pay to make a profit here in Shorewood contribute to the wellbeing of the community and adhere to its values. That means ensuring a commitment to equity, good wages, and reasonable standards of environmental sustainability. Zoning variances, tax breaks, and licensing decisions need to be made with a critical eye, and we can and should hold our corporate partners accountable to the promises they make in these processes.
Equity: The Village of Shorewood has laudably committed itself to equity in its public institutions. We need to build upon this commitment by ensuring that this commitment extends to material well-being. That means ensuring that we focus on creating well-paying jobs, opening access to our public facilities, and maintaining our commitment to fair housing. We want a Shorewood that is inviting and comfortable for all who live, work and play here.
Housing Policy:Shorewood is the most densely populated municipality in the state and this presents challenges and opportunities. Our schools are experiencing declining enrollment and it remains difficult for families to enter the district due to high housing costs.The vitality of our community depends on the quality of our schools, and if we want to keep Shorewood the special place it is today it means promoting a housing policy that supports our education system. That means working to draw more families into the village, and using our partnerships with real estate developers to offer affordable housing for new educators in our district.
Sustainability:We can and should use local government to support sustainable infrastructure in the village. That means a commitment to energy efficiency in our public works projects and maintaining reasonable efficiency and environmental standards for our corporate partners.
Public Spaces: We build our community by coming together, and Shorewood is blessed with a great number of venues and events that allow us to join together. From the Farmers Market to the Shorewood Feast, we’re a community that celebrates, collaborates, and deliberates together. Democracy depends on the bonds we build in our public sphere, and I’m committed to expanding on the already robust level of civic engagement we have in this village.