I like to listen and am open to feedback from others. An important trait that elected officials need is the ability to listen to others and work collaboratively; this means taking feedback and reaching outcomes that work. As elected officials, our job is to deliver results for residents we represent, and I am prepared to be a part of the process.

Affordable housing is a priority, especially in District 9.  We need to prioritize new housing for those making under 80% Area Median Income (AMI).  This will accommodate housing for seniors on fixed incomes, teachers, and single mothers.  Unfortunately, current housing developments are not addressing these populations; rather, they are driving up rental prices, which are impacting families at all income levels.  Greed, not diversifying the housing supply, appears to be the main motivator of developers in today's rental market. 

A goal I want to set is looking at expanding tax abatements for seniors on fixed incomes, which can be done by eliminating waste and using enforcement mechanisms to pursue delinquent revenue.

New multi-family housing should be situated along primary roads and not within single-family neighborhoods.  We must also focus on home ownership, whether it be townhouses, condos, or single-family homes.  The decision on where to place such units is a function of the Zoning and Planning Boards, with a limited role for the Board of Representatives.

As a board member, my job will be to listen to neighbors and oppose applications that are not suitable for our neighborhoods. I will equally advocate for projects that sufficiently meet the housing needs of our fellow neighbors. 

The Affordable Housing Trust Fund does not work.  It anticipates that nonprofits can build housing units at the same scale as private developers.  They cannot.  Further, some members on the Board think throwing more money into the fund will solve our housing problem.  It will not.  Rather than continue the fee-in-lieu loophole, we must require new developers to set aside 10-15% of new housing units as affordable units.  These are units that will serve teachers, seniors, single mothers, and families making under $100K annually.