The ISSUES

Holding UVM Accountable

 

1. UVM must be held accountable for the impacts it has on our neighborhood and for how it treats students on and off campus.

2. UVM needs to be more than an institutional neighbor; it needs to be a community partner. In particular, I will work to ensure that UVM commits to:

   • Support low-income and historically disadvantaged students with housing. 

   • Take responsibility for the impacts it has on the local housing market and high rents, including a right-sized redevelopment of Trinity Campus.

   • Help build bridges between students and permanent residents and limit the quality of life issues such as noise and trash.  

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Renter & Worker's Rights

 

1. Introduce policies to ensure fair and affordable housing for all residents, including rent-increased tenant protections against bad landlords.

2. Advocate for living wage laws and improved worker protections, including better benefits and safer working conditions and pathways to unionization.

3. Work to make the minimum wage 20$ an hour and ensure rent stabilization.  

4. Promote the development of cooperative businesses to empower workers and strengthen the local economy.

 

Environmental Action

 

1. Support the Net Zero Energy Roadmap.

2. Work with local schools to improve environmental education and promote sustainable practices.

3. Establish a green jobs training program to promote employment in the clean energy sector.

4. Increase funding for public transportation and encourage alternative modes of transportation, such as biking and walking.

5. Develop policies to protect the city's natural resources, including parks, waterways, and wildlife habitats.

6. Ensure the protection of Lake Champlain and the prevention of Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs).

 

Progressive Policing

 

1. Implement community policing practices to build trust and improve relations between law enforcement and residents. 

2. Increase funding for mental health services and crisis intervention training for police officers. I am a strong supporter of the CAHOOT model. 

3. Establish an independent review board to investigate instances of police misconduct and promote accountability. I support local control over the development of these policies. 

4. Ensure militarized equipment is not used by the police department.

5. Work with local organizations to develop alternative public safety strategies, such as restorative justice programs.

 

Reliable Constituent Service

 

1. Establish regular office hours and increase accessibility for residents to meet with the council member.

2. Increase funding for city services, such as road maintenance and trash pickup, to improve the quality of life for residents.

3. Establish a neighborhood watch program to promote community safety and reduce crime.

4. Utilize technology to improve communication with residents, such as online forums and social media.
    

 

People Over Politics

 

1. Prioritize the needs of residents over special interests.

2. Increase transparency in city government by publishing consolidated council member voting records and financial disclosures online.

3. Develop policies to promote civic engagement and increase participation in local government.

4. Advocate for campaign finance reform and the reduction of money in politics at all levels.

5. Work with local organizations to increase voter registration and accessibility to the polls, including promoting all resident voting.