I've lived in Winooski first as a renter and now as a homeowner for nearly 12 years. Winooski is home and where my neighbors are friends, and friends are my neighbors.
Winooski is strongest when everyone feels they are at home. Belonging must be nurtured, and cannot be taken for granted. The feeling of community is an asset I commit to enhancing.
In 2021 we said farewell to our beloved City Clerk, Carol Barrett, who served as a city employee for 41 years. It was a pleasure to formally approve naming the historical records vault to honor her civic service.
In June 2021, I worked with community members to raise the Progressive Pride flag in Winooski for the first time ever. As an out LGBTQ+ City Councilor I will continue to amplify socially disadvantaged voices.
Our small community is mighty. The voters of Winooski know that representation at all levels of government is necessary to bring wider perspectives to policy making. I'm grateful to have won your confidence in 2021 as a write-in candidate and I'm seeking your vote again this March 7th to continue that work
Winooski's economic vitality is growing. New businesses are opening regularly, others are changing ownership but retaining thriving storefronts and eateries. Through my work on the Infrastructure Commission I will keep working to attract new businesses, retain those that are the heart and soul of Winooski, and improve the overall experience for folks living, working, and visiting our great City.
June 2022 was Winooski's first Juneteenth celebration. Our Equity Director and Downtown Winooski made the event a memorable one, and set us off on the right foot to hold many more for years to come. In recognition of this historic date in United States history I voted to establish Junteenth as an official holiday moving forward. We must not forget the transgressions of our past. We can only work towards healing that damage. As part of City Council I'm committed to ensuring actionable steps are taken to correct institutionalized racism through the housing trust fund and housing quality, among other steps.
Environmental protection is near and dear to my heart. It's my life passion. My entire career has focused on environmental law and policy work. I've held a seat with Chittenden Solid Waste District representing Winooski since 2017. I've held a seat with Green Up Vermont since 2018. My degree from Vermont Law & Graduate School has primed me for this work, and set me up well to understand the risks of laws that go unenforced and policies that do not take into account unintended consequences. As a Councilor I commit to asking hard questions to mitigate well-intentioned but ineffective policies.
As a City Councilor I commit to furthering progress towards the goals outlined in the City's Master Plan. At times there will be competing interests, and most certainly expected budget pressures. I commit to looking at these needs cohesively and not independently from the others. Progress may be incremental at times, but I commit to ensuring a strategy is in place so we're not so focused on the here and now that we cannot see the forest for the trees.