On the Issues

Transparency and accountability in government is a cornerstone of my values and beliefs. Keeping the public's trust is paramount to good governance.  The government's obligation is to be fully open, accountable and honest with citizens on how it is conducting business and spending taxes.  Transparency promotes accountability and provides information for citizens about what their Government is doing. This is why I  amended the Recording By-Law in 2023. 

As one of my core values,  principles, and ideals, the rule of law is meant to sustain an orderly and just society and is fundamental to peace, security and political stability. It is meant to achieve economic and social progress,  development, and to protect people’s rights and fundamental freedoms. The rule of law is foundational to people’s access to public services, curbing corruption, restraining the abuse of power, and to establishing the social contract between people and the state.  

Good governance is grounded in the principle that all people are equal. Obstacles should not exist or be created to make it difficult for people to vote. I believe the rights of the minority must be protected even though the “majority rules” in a democracy. Leadership must make decisions based on the best interests of ALL the people. Failure to respect the legitimate authority of other branches of government, acting outside the bounds of one’s authority, and other abuses must always be prevented

It is important that we preserve our lands while simultaneously preserving our historic heritage for everyone in the community to be able to enjoy.  We must do this by identifying disparities where they are known to exist and work toward correcting inequities to marginalized demographics. I have proposed developing a Junior Ranger youth program that would engage adolescents toward becoming the next stewards of the land. This will inevitably improve health and mental wellness for them as well.

I have been following this issue closely. At the outset it appears to be a state mandate and the draft plans and zoning bylaw were submitted to the state in December 2023. I am also following the ongoing litigation brought by other towns. I think this is an important issue where we need to ensure full transparency in the process and answer all residents questions/concerns honestly. I am not confident yet that there has been enough public engagement to bring it to Spring Town Meeting.

Let's face it, it is not affordable to live here. We should be looking at other ways to keep rents affordable for the working families in our community. Even 40B rentals and ownership are out of reach in today's market for a family of 4;  even with both parents working and sometimes one or both parents are working two jobs to make ends meet. I see this first hand in my own family. 

We should be engaging landlords on the benefits of already established housing vouchers and programs, which would increase inventory without over development.  We should also look at developing a modernized municipal rental assistance program for young families working toward homeownership.