PLATFORM
"I come from proud a union family that has been serving the community for as long as I can remember. I want to work with you and for you. We need to make Jersey City more affordable for our working class families, do better when it comes to basic quality of life issues, offer a full and robust Recreation program, collaborate with the BOE to improve the infrastructure of our schools and make public safety a top priority.
LET'S TALK ABOUT THE ISSUES
Affordable/Workforce Housing
If you work full time in Jersey City, you should be able to afford to live here. By supporting our hardworking first responders, nurses, teachers and municipal workers through affordable rental and home ownership programs, we can develop a
Work Here, Live Here, Play Here mantra and make the dream of homeownership a reality. Requiring all new development to offer 20% affordable housing and utilizing past practices such as the Nehemiah Spring Creek Project, would be a first step towards closing the gap on the number of affordable housing units required to meet the demand in this bloated market.
Also I will work to establish a dedicated office to help residents, especially our seniors, navigate the affordable housing application process, with guidance as well as tech assistance.
Quality of Life
Litter, potholes, graffiti, illegal dirt bikes and noise complaints have long plagued our city streets and disrupted our overall quality of life in Jersey City. A revitalized QOL taskforce, backed by a fully staffed department to monitor complaints, issue summonses and rectify issues, will improve day to day living in Jersey City. Educating residents on city ordinances, holding violators accountable and staying connected to our various communities will help us combat many common complaints.
Recreation
In a city as vibrant and diverse as Jersey City, we should be embracing and celebrating all things that make us the Golden Door to the World. Jersey City must support the various organizations that have been doing the hard work of providing recreational opportunties to our youth as well as offer a full and robust program of activities to benefit our residents mind, body and soul. We must also rehabilitate our current parks, playgrounds, playing fields as well as create new opportunities for wellness through open space and creating a recreation center in every area of Jersey City.
Public Safety
The Safe Streets, Strong Communities campaign is a comprehensive public safety plan aimed at reducing crime, increasing community engagement, and promoting safer neighborhoods. By fostering collaboration between local law enforcement, community leaders and residents, the campaign emphasizes proactive measures such as improved street lighting, neighborhood watch programs and youth outreach. Public service announcements, educational workshops, and digital outreach will be used to raise awareness and encourage active participation. The ultimate goal is to create a culture of shared responsibility where everyone plays a role in making their community a safer place to live, work and thrive.
Environment
I am committed to expanding and preserving Jersey City's tree canopy as a cornerstone of climate resilience, public health, and environmental justice. I propose a comprehensive plan to plant thousands of native trees in underserved neighborhoods, ensuring equitable access to the benefits of shade, cleaner air and reduced heat island effects. By working in partnership with local communities, schools and environmental organizations, we will protect existing mature trees, implement stricter regulations against unnecessary removals and invest in long-term maintenance programs. Our vision is a greener, cooler, and healthier city where everyone can enjoy the life-giving power of trees.
Supporting Small Business
The Empower Local campaign is designed to raise awareness and drive support for small businesses in local communities. The goal is to highlight the value of small businesses as the backbone of the economy, emphasizing their contributions to job creation, innovation, and the unique character they bring to neighborhoods. Through various channels and initiatives, this campaign will encourage consumers to support local businesses, advocate for policies that aid small businesses, and foster a sense of community responsibility.