The issues
It’s easy to say what you’re against. But what are you willing to make a stand for? Here are some of the things I’ve worked for (so far).
The housing crisis
This isn’t just a local problem, and it stems from more than one issue. We need more than one approach to solving it. I’m pushing for legislation to reserve single family homes for SINGLE FAMILIES. I’ve built allies and want to build a coalition to take the profit aspect out of developing homes making them affordable. I also want to see through the TENANTS RIGHTS COMMITTEE, ready to deal with the issues created with aging apartment complexes and out of state landlords.
(State House Building Lobbying for housing vouchers and homeless shelters)
Developing the workforce
Other cities have found ways to invest in their local labor and avoid exploitation of hourly employees by implementing a Responsible Contractors Ordinance. I want to do the same for Mount Pleasant and provide a path for local to become masters of their craft through apprenticeship programs. I’ve begun conversations with local employers and union halls to implement an apprenticeship readiness program to hasten the availability of good paying jobs.
(As seen at local infrastructure project)
protecting our rights
As the fiberoptic backbone is developed throughout the state, so is the processing power for mass surveillance. I was recently in a room with many municipal leaders who seek out technology like FLOCK and ALPR’s (Automatic License Plate Readers) for “safety concerns”. None of them said that they would feel safer if I was recording in the corner without their consent.
I will continue to advocate against the mass surveillance state.
(Leading chants at local No Kings protest)
building community
Building the town we want to live in isn’t done by one person; not even by a committee of people. It’s done by celebrating the things we have in common, supporting the people around us, and by building our community from the ground up. If we work together, I believe we can solve the issues we face as a community. I use my campaign to raise awareness and support mutual aid efforts. I believe it’s up to Mount Pleasant to take care of Mount Pleasant’s problems.
We all have things that we enjoy doing or are passionate about. My love for music has brought me to producing concerts at The Broadway Theater and organizing voter registration concerts in support of Abdul El-Sayed’s campaign. I’ve worked to put together skill sharing events as well because, the more we know, the more we can do.
(Raising funds for Isabella County Soup Kitchen, currently raising money for Maslow’s Village Tiny Homes Project)