Issues: A Clean City | Economic Success | Civic Engagement
I’ve chosen to focus on the following issues for my 2011 Campaign. Thank you for taking the time to read and please use the contact form if you have any comments or questions.
Ashley Reservoir
Check out the news release about my work on the Clean City Act for Holyoke.
Read about my day on the job at the Holyoke Department of Public Works.
If Holyoke is ever going to experience the renaissance I know to be possible, we must work towards cleaning our city. This can only be accomplished by government, property owners, and residents banding together to identify those who illegally dump or allow their properties to become a blight, and hold them accountable to the furthest extent allowed by law. We must also celebrate and reward those residents and owners who are pitching in and working every day to help keep our city clean.
As your city councilor, I have…
- Coordinated with the Department of Public Works and United Water to create a pilot program for updated parking restrictions to allow street sweepers to clean to curb along problem routes.
- Responded to constituents’ concerns about unsolicited newspapers thrown on lawns and sidewalks by writing an order to prevent them and other similar advertising.
- Worked with a number of city agencies to craft the Clean City Act of 2011, a comprehensive overhaul of the way Holyoke deals with the issues of litter and illegal dumping.
When re-elected as your city councilor, I will. . .
- Work with the local business community to drastically reduce the use of common sources of litter, like plastic bags and Styrofoam containers.
- Secure funding to install cameras at illegal dumping sites, and aggressively prosecute offenders.
- Work with the Sheriff’s Department and District Attorney to create programs that deal with offenders.
View of one of Holyoke's canals
Holyoke could be poised for economic growth. With our historic architecture and infrastructure, high quality yet inexpensive energy, close proximity to three major highways, abundance of usable space and a diverse workforce, Holyoke has the opportunity to be one of the most attractive communities in New England to prospective businesses. However, this is not the case. Holyoke suffers with high unemployment rates, stagnant growth, and a negative image. We must move towards a plan of smart growth and leverage our attributes to attract new business, while doing everything possible to support the businesses already here.
As your city councilor, I have…
- Listened to the concerns of many residents and the local business community by voting to stabilize the business tax rate.
- Continued to run small business that has created jobs and brings people from all over the region into downtown.
- Worked with the treasurer and auditor to create orders to curb city spending and reduce the city council budget.
When re-elected as your city councilor, I will. . .
- Create the right environment for our current businesses to stay and grow.
- Work with HG&E and the Office of Economic Development to develop comprehensive incentive packages that attract new business.
- Support the growth of an economic driver in downtown that will attract new business, residents, and visitors.
Holyoke City Hall
Holyoke is a city built on big ideas. As a first planned industrial city, Holyoke’s canals, still working today, stand as a testament to the ingenuity of its residents. We are the birthplace of volleyball. People from all over the world come here to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. We have a rich legacy of great ideas. We need to tap into our residents now more than ever to nurture that same creativity within the city. We can do that by providing better access to the process, combined with meaningful encouragement and engagement. Equally important, we will be doing a great service to our city by preparing the next generation to lead.
As your city councilor, I have…
- Written an order to allow public comment at city council meetings, bringing Holyoke in line with many other communities by providing direct access to the city council at regular meetings.
- Worked with HG&E and the Clerks Office to improve web access by providing names and compensation for all official city board members and commissioners.
- Collaborated with others to organize monthly meetings to bring residents together with policymakers
When re-elected as your city councilor, I will. . .
- Hold regular town hall meetings in all seven wards, bringing city agencies, elected officials, and other community leaders together with residents.
- Help to educate the community about public comment, which gives them the opportunity to address the city council on a regular basis.
- Secure funding to allow HG&E and the Holyoke IT department to build a 21st century website that provides residents and businesses easy access to city services and information.
