MY PRIORITIES
Seniors’ Safety and Livelihood
Ward 2 has the largest population of senior citizens in Quincy, many of whom I have known my entire life through my own grandparents, and all of whom I respect. The safety and care of the senior population is paramount and my number one priority. I was named a Quincy Dems 2021 COVID Hero for my efforts to make sure the seniors in our neighborhood had their necessities (prescriptions, groceries) during the height of the pandemic. Further, keeping a close eye on the status of the renovations at the Fore River Clubhouse is very important. I plan to make sure that project is completed as soon as possible, and afterwards that it be utilized as a senior center. My recent efforts regarding security and safety concerns at 1000 Southern Artery, after hearing from the residents and numerous meetings with management, have resulted in the implementation of a new key-fob system and security cameras. That is the level of constituent service, and the level of care for our seniors, that I plan to bring to the City Council.
Preservation (and Smart Development)
Many residents in our city are concerned with the uptick in development over the last 10-12 years. I am a proponent of smart development (residential and commercial development that fits in with the neighborhood and serves the community), and also preserving and adding to Quincy’s green space.
There have been a number of commercial and residential projects in Ward 2 that I have worked to notify neighbors of, and collect opinions for, to present to either the Planning Board or the Zoning Board. Some of those oppositions have been instrumental in the boards’ decisions. It is important to maintain the residential character of both Quincy Point and Penn’s Hill. Beneficial variances that add to the value of the neighborhood should be granted - not every one that is requested. Building affordable housing, and also keeping multi-generational Quincy families in this city is a top priority of mine.
Business development on the Washington Street Corridor leading to the Fore River Bridge is also a topic that I am passionate about. Fostering connections with good companies who will give back to our community, both financially and philanthropically, and make Quincy their home is something I do as an Ambassador of the Quincy Chamber of Commerce. I always support local, small businesses when I am able, but am not opposed to larger companies coming in to alleviate our taxes as long as they are a good fit to this area. My plan for some of the vacant commercial spaces would be to ask residents’ opinions and seek out businesses that the community thinks would be a good fit. Being proactive is how I plan to serve this community.
As President of the Ward 2 Civic Association, I have also made it a point to rehab our two beaches later this year (2023), adding in new furniture with the funds from the state budget. I grew up at Mound Street (Sandy) Beach, as did my family, and also have fond childhood memories at Faxon Park. COVID brought people back to our beautiful outdoor spaces and it is my opinion that they both be utilized (by events), and protected.
Communication and Advocacy
A lot of residents don’t know what is going on in their own neighborhoods. As a result, I have distributed planning and zoning proposals, plans and hearing notices to mailboxes, and posted them online. I sincerely believe that being well informed of the processes will lead to fewer grievances.
Being a liaison between city hall and the residents means being accessible, transparent, and responsive. It is the number one duty of a city councilor. As an attorney, I am available to my clients every day, around the clock. If elected, I don’t promise to always have good news, bad news, or any news at all. I do promise to respond in a timely manner to any questions or inquiries, host (at a minimum) quarterly community meetings (the Ward 2 Civic Association under my leadership has already hosted a number of “Town Halls” since we saw this as a need), office hours, and also project-specific meetings well in advance of any planning or zoning board hearings.
Further, knowledge of the law (zoning statutes, landlord/tenant/residential disputes, land use), and my professional level of advocacy and representation, are positive assets that I plan to bring to the council.
Students/Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
In short, I would not be who I am today if I did not grow up in Quincy Point and in Quincy Public Schools with people and families of all different cultures, backgrounds, lifestyles and faiths. Quincy Point, specifically, is a melting pot of different nationalities.
Diversity, equity and inclusion is a term we use for the lifestyle that I am proud to live. I was raised Catholic, and attend St. Joseph’s Parish. I have also supported Quincy Point Congregational Church on a number of their community efforts. Ward 2 is home to the Islamic Center of New England, the Thousand Buddha Temple, and the Brazilian Assembly of God Church and I have either been to, or have friends who belong to, each of those centers of worship. I am assisting with the 2023 Multicultural Festival, which will be be held at Fore River Field this May.
I have been involved with Quincy Pride for four years, and I am now the President. Q Pride is an all volunteer 501(c)(3) created to celebrate the rich diversity of the South Shore’s LGBTQ+ community and promote acceptance, diversity, inclusion and respect. Since 2020, under my direction, our annual Quincy Pride Festival in June has drawn 3,000+ attendees. Q Pride also awards scholarships to high school seniors who manifest its mission and awards to businesses who do the same. Quincy Pride is a major event for which my team and I fundraise, produce and host. Event planning is also a skill that I plan to bring back to the Fore River area, including the beaches and the clubhouse.
QPS is a unique school system and our educators teach kids of all walks of life. It is important to me that each student feels accepted in school and has the tools to be the best student.
