What’s the city doing to tackle the housing crisis?

I appreciate your concern about housing affordability in our community. It’s an issue that affects many residents, and finding solutions requires collaboration and open communication. As your city council candidate, I advocate for transparent communication and collaborative efforts to address this pressing issue. We must work closely with local stakeholders, including developers and community organizations, to explore creative solutions and ensure that all residents have access to safe and affordable housing options.

How we can better respond to drug issues and the ensuing petty crime, car break ins, and robberies.

Tackling drug-related issues and associated crimes requires a multifaceted approach that emphasizes both prevention and intervention strategies. By fostering a supportive environment that prioritizes mental health resources, addiction treatment, and community policing initiatives, we can create a safer and more secure environment for all residents.

Would also like to see the continued upgrades to our sidewalks in Ward 5, lots of walking and running I see happening in the street and it would be awesome to have them up in the sidewalks.

Improving infrastructure, such as sidewalks, is essential for promoting pedestrian safety and enhancing the overall quality of life in our ward. With the completion of the city’s sidewalks, curbs, and roads project there are still areas of our city left in need. As a candidate for city council, I am committed to prioritizing infrastructure investments that benefit all residents.

As a small business owner downtown I see my employees struggle to find local affordable housing. What would you do to encourage more access for downtown workers?

As a small business owner, I deeply understand the importance of affordable housing for our downtown workforce. I’m pleased to share that the city is actively collaborating with local developers and state initiatives to bring additional low-income housing options to our downtown area. Currently, there are two such projects underway on North Main Street and Lake Street. These initiatives aim to enhance accessibility and provide more opportunities for both potential and existing workers. As a candidate for city council, I am committed to supporting these efforts and working towards ensuring that all residents have access to safe and affordable housing options.

As a local business owner, I see lots of growth in our community - but how can we encourage diversity? What would/can we do to make St. Albans a more welcoming and attractive place for POC?

Creating a welcoming and inclusive community for all residents, including people of color (POC), is a priority for me. As a candidate for city council, I believe in celebrating our differences and fostering a culture of respect and understanding. By working together with community leaders and organizations, we can implement additional initiatives that promote diversity and inclusivity in our city. This includes supporting minority-owned businesses, promoting cultural events, and providing resources for underrepresented groups. Let’s make St. Albans a more welcoming and attractive place for everyone to call home.

It's been pretty mum in St. Albans about the 20% school tax increase across more affluent towns in the state. While VT does need the financial support to sustain healthy, vibrant schools; this increase is hugely concerning because it's too much, too quickly. It's also going to further price out Vermonters from purchasing property and its going to raise rents, impacting our most poor. Living here will become unsustainable for some and detrimental to many. I am curious about the city's position on this, what influence they have on this state legislature (if any) and how the city is going to respond?

Concerns about the recent school tax increase are valid and shared by many in our community. As your representative, I will actively engage with state legislators to advocate for fair and equitable taxation policies that support our schools without disproportionately burdening residents. By fostering constructive dialogue and seeking common ground, we can work towards solutions that benefit our entire community.