Candidate for Arlington County Board - At Large in 2024 Virginia Primary Election.
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Get StartedCross-Jurisdictional Coordination: The DMV area has witnessed a surge in carjackings, break-ins, assaults, and thefts, making it imperative for us to develop a collaborative strategy with nearby jurisdictions to tackle these mutual issues. This may include establishing multi-jurisdictional task forces to develop strategies to combat problems many jurisdictions in the area are seeing such as carjackings. I will advocate for coordination and cooperation between different agencies, law enforcement, and communities to address these challenges and make our neighborhoods safer for residents. Learn more
Student Loan Forgiveness or Payback Assistance for Officers:I am committed to finding smart and effective ways to retain our police officers. One of the ways I would like to do that is by offering a student loan forgiveness or payback assistance program in exchange for continuing to work for ACPD or the Sheriff's Office for a designated period of time. This program would reduce the financial burden of student loans for officers, while also ensuring that we retain experienced and dedicated officers in our community. Learn more
Safe Spaces for Youth: As a resident of Arlington and a mother to two young children, I care deeply about the safety and well-being of our community, especially our youth. That's why I am committed to working hard to create more opportunities for kids to have safe spaces to go when they're not in school. By investing in programs and resources at our community centers, we can help prevent drug use and reduce crime amongst our youth. I am dedicated to improving the lives of everyone in our community, starting with our youngest residents. Learn more
Mentorship: As a long-time resident of Arlington, I know first-hand the potential and accomplishments of its people. One of my primary goals as a County Board member is to initiate a mentorship program that connects young people with successful community members for guidance and support. This program will act as a stepping stone for the next generation of Arlingtonians to pursue their aspirations. Learn more
I am committed to putting the safety of our community first. As your representative on the County Board, I will work to create policies that prioritize safety, focusing on reducing crime and creating spaces where everyone feels safe and included. I will take a proactive approach to addressing the challenges that face our community, investing in resources and programs that help prevent crime and promote community safety. Learn more
Funding for Emergency Services: As we continue to grow as a county, it's essential that we prioritize our emergency services, including our police, firefighters, and first responders--all of which are currently understaffed. One option is to provide an education bonus for those with college degrees, either in the form of a step increase or a percentage of salary. As your County Board member, I will work tirelessly to bring our pay for emergency personnel in line with departments in neighboring communities, ensuring we recruit and retain the best to serve our community. Learn more
Youth Programming:I’ve noticed the focus on other areas in our community has overshadowed the great need for programs geared towards children. As a passionate advocate for our youth, I will fight to prioritize the needs of our younger community members. I believe that every child deserves access to high-quality programs that encourage growth and development in a safe, supportive environment. Part of that mission is advocating for important initiatives like increasing access to safe and engaging parks and recreation and sports programs for our youth. I believe that by making youth activities a priority, we can help reduce crime and create a brighter future for generations to come. With the right resources and the right leadership, we can make a meaningful impact on the well-being of our entire community. Learn more
Drug Treatment: One of the most pressing issues we face is the drug epidemic. Our schools are seeing an alarming number of overdoses and fatalities caused by drug use. We cannot stand idly by and let this happen. As your County Board member, I will work tirelessly to tackle this issue head-on. It's time for Arlington to take bold action against the scourge of drugs. I pledge to work to open a drug treatment facility (perhaps by transforming one of the vacant buildings) where individuals can get the help they need to overcome addiction, including treatment programs geared towards youth. I will work with parents, teachers, nonprofits, and other community members to address the root causes of drug use and find innovative solutions to this problem. Together, we can make our community a safer and healthier place for all to live. Learn more
Drug Awareness Campaign: Drug addiction can tear families and communities apart. That's why I'm committed to doing everything in my power to prevent it. I will make drug education a top priority and will initiate a campaign to educate the community, particularly the youth, about the dangers of drugs, much like the DEA’s One Pill Can Kill campaign. By working together, we can help prevent addiction and make sure that all residents have the tools they need to live happy, healthy lives. Join me in this effort. Let's stand together and say no to drugs, and yes to healthy, vibrant communities. Learn more
Strategic Planning: Articulate a vision for Arlington's future and then develop a plan to realze that vision. Arlington is a great place to live, work, and raise a family, but it's essential to have a plan to guide us as we grow and change. A vision and strategic plan are vital for the long-term success of any community. Without a vision, we don't know where we are going. And without a strategic plan, we don't know how to get there. My mission is to work with the people of Arlington to create a strategic plan that will enhance our community's strengths while addressing the challenges we face. I will ensure that our goals and aspirations are reflected in every decision we make together. Learn more
Open and transparent communication is key to building trust and fostering a sense of community. If elected, I will work tirelessly to ensure that the county is communicating effectively with its residents, and that everyone's voice is heard. Learn more
Transparency in Public Comments:Treat policy decisions like the federal government treats public comments for new regulations. Transparency and accountability should be at the forefront of any local government. That is why, as your County Board member, I will fight to ensure that every government document requested at least twice under the Freedom of Information Act will be published on the County's website. Our community deserves to have full access to these documents, and it is my responsibility to make that a reality. Learn more
At the heart of our campaign is a commitment to open and transparent government. I believe that when government is open and transparent, everyone benefits. Residents can be confident that their government is making decisions with their best interests in mind, and government officials can benefit from the input and insights of residents. If elected to the County Board, I will do everything in my power to ensure that the county is communicating and operating in a transparent and ethical manner. Learn more
Neighborhood-Centric Communications:Allow community members to sign up for alerts for things specifically impacting their neighborhoods. For too long, Arlington residents have been left in the dark about what's happening in their own backyards, if for no other reason than information is difficult to find on the county's website. As a County Board member, I am committed to changing that. My approach to communication is simple: it should be neighborhood-centric, transparent, and easy to access. No more one-size-fits-all updates that leave residents feeling disconnected from the decision-making process. I want to give every resident in Arlington a voice in shaping our community's future and that starts with residents being aware of decisions being made about their backyard. Learn more
Mental Health Services: An investment in mental health services is an investment in the wellbeing of all our residents. My policies will reflect the firm belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to live a happy and healthy life. I understand the significant impact that mental health services have on the safety of our community, which is why I will fight for better resources and increased access for those who need it most. Learn more
Family-Sized Housing:I rented in Arlington for several years before buying a townhome. I moved because an apartment no longer provided the space I needed as my family grew. One of the biggest challenges facing our community is the lack of family-sized housing. Over 70% of Arlington's housing is apartments and condos, leaving little space for families that need more room or privacy. I believe that we need to focus on developing more family-sized housing options to ensure that everyone has access to safe, affordable housing. Join me in my efforts to create a better future for everyone in Arlington. Learn more
Affordability and Equity without Blanket Land Zoning Policies:Affordability. That is how rezoning of single-family home areas was sold to the people of Arlington and that is what many still believe will be achieved by this initiative. The market forces dictate the types of housing built and the prices that are changed for rent or for sale. While I agree that we need to build more of the right kind of housing in the right locations, before we push through blanket land use policy changes, we ought to have a vision and plan for what we want the county to look like in the long-term. Otherwise, unfettered, unguided development will lead us to falling into looking like downtown Manhattan, something that most in Arlington do not want. Equity. That is the other word used to sell rezoning to the people of Arlington. Removing the barriers to homeownership that existed in the early 1900s is not going to undo the injustice because the barriers today are not the same as they were then. Thus, despite the county’s rezoning, the barriers to equity are still very much in existence, and rezoning has the potential to cause gentrification displacement, further exacerbating inequity. Learn more
Parking: Did you know that the county has mandated that only 50% of new housing units built within 3/4 of a mile of a metro station are required to have parking spaces? That simply isn’t enough. Multiple independent sources show that between 60-65% of people living near public transportation still have cars. We can’t ignore these facts. This impacts renters the most and will drive the cost of parking even higher. This, in combination with already high rent prices, makes it even less afordable to live in Arlington. In areas outside the metro corridor, increasing the number of housing units without at least a 1:1 on-property unit to parking ratio will force cars to park on the street, creating crowding and impeding traffic. The only ones benefiting from the county's parking policies are developers and this hurts the community. As a County Board member, I am committed to fighting for solutions that work for everyone. Learn more
Holistic Approach: Arlington is a wonderful place to call home, but we face challenges as our community continues to grow and change. As a member of the County Board, I am committed to ensuring that any development takes into consideration its impact on our critical infrastructure, including our schools, emergency services, flooding, sewage, and the power grid. These cannot be an afterthought and that is how they have been treated. We can’t ignore these important issues, especially as we plan for a better future. Learn more
Lot Coverage:Arlington residents are facing a critical juncture as our population grows and we strive to remain a vibrant and desirable place to live. As your representative on the County Board, it will be my priority to thoughtfully address issues related to land use and development. I believe that the county must take a systematic approach to reviewing previously implemented changes to lot coverage requirements in order to determine the true impact they’ve had on our community. We must also consider the long-term impact of development on the tree canopy, green space, the climate, and stormwater runoff to ensure that we maintain a healthy and vibrant environment for generations to come. Learn more
Commercial Real Estate Vacancies: I am passionate about finding solutions to the commercial real estate vacancy rate that benefit the economy, businesses, and residents alike. I am committed to finding ways to convert empty commercial properties into housing or other uses, attracting new businesses to the area, and reviewing the budget to minimize the impact the vacancy rate has on residents' taxes. I believe that a thriving local economy benefits us all, and I will work diligently to make Arlington a more vibrant and prosperous community. Learn more
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