ISSUES
Please know that although I have been elected by the people of Hungry Hill and East Springfield, I have a responsibility to address issues that are important to all of the City of Springfield. As a member of the powerful Finance and Public Health & Safety Sub-Committees, I have a great deal of influence and interest over topics related to these committees, however I am also committed to addressing all pertinent issues facing our neighborhood and the city at-large regardless of whether or not they fall under the jurisdiction of these committees. If there are any issues that concern you which are not addressed in this section of my website, please feel free to contact me. I will respond to all constituent inquiries about my stance on issues. You have the right to know where I stand!
Crime Crime is a widely publicized problem in our city. Certainly, it is not an issue that should be taken lightly. To make Springfield a place that is safe for all, we need to focus our public safety efforts. As a member of the Health and Public Safety Sub Committee, I support policies that seek to divide Springfield into geographic policing sectors. I believe these sectors are one way to increase efficiency and accountability in our police force. Additionally, crime task forces such as the Street Crime Unit help our city’s officers concentrate their efforts on particularly dangerous varieties of crime. I want to make the streets of Springfield safe for everyone and I believe that we can best reach this end by increasing police efficiency.
Taxes / Economic Development I believe that it is often useful to view our city as a business. The people of Springfield are being asked to pay more than they believe it fair for services that they are unhappy with. The result is a demoralized population base that has no faith in their government and the departure of those who simply are not willing to put up with it any more. In my first term as a representative of Ward 2 I am committed to lowering the tax rates in this city. Through the budgetary process I promise to find a way to restore order and fiscal responsibility to City Hall. As a member of the Finance Sub-Committee, I see no greater task facing the city than bringing us back to a financially responsible position. You can count on me to get us there. We will lower these rates and we will restore the faith of the people in their government.
The business property tax rate in Springfield is the highest in the entire Commonwealth of Massachusetts. I adherently oppose the level of this tax. In order to help Springfield residents the most, we ought to support our local economy and keep taxes down. If businesses thrive in our city, so will our residents. Having the highest tax rates in the state has the potential to stifle our economy and sends an unfriendly message to local entrepreneurs and homeowners. As a member of the City Council, I will work tirelessly to lower the property tax rates. See Michael's press release on this topic.
Recycling The “single-stream” pilot recycling program that was launched in East Forest Park last October has since been expanded to include the entire city. I have supported the expansion of this program from the beginning and believe that this is a step in the right direction. Springfield needs to become more efficient and environmentally friendly and in order to do this I believe that recycling is the first place to start. I will always support measures that seek to efficiently increase the amount of recycling in our city.
Education Our public school system is filled with dedicated teachers and staff who are committed to educating our youth. As a City Councilor I will work with the School Committee members to make Springfield public education the best that it can possibly be. One specific education related policy that I support is the mandatory uniform policy. I believe that student uniforms in public schools create an environment that is desirable for teachers, parents and students alike. Policies that encourage healthy interaction between students and teachers will always be a priority to me.
Blight Community blight is an issue that our city ought to combat through two efforts. First, we need to enforce the ordinances that are on the books and make sure that they are fair and equitable for all residents. Secondly, we need to support community organizations such as Keep Springfield Beautiful. If the people of our city do not take an interest in the cleanliness of their own neighborhoods, than there is very little that the city can do to make Springfield beautiful. However, by enforcing the laws that are in place and partnering with citizens and organizations that are interested in maintaining and improving the city’s ascetic beauty, we can encourage others to care about their community and the way it looks. Springfield is known as The City of Homes for a reason, it is a vibrant place to live that is filled with beautiful residential architecture. Together, I want to make Springfield even better. I am committed to making our city an appealing place to live and visit.
|
In order to best serve my constituents, I believe that you need to know where I stand on the issues that matter to you. This section of my web site is designed to provide residents with a way to know where I stand on some popular city topics.