This will be published in the Isthmus on March 19, but here are the LWV questions and my answers:
1. What in your professional and community background qualifies you for this elective office?
Since becoming the first member of my family to graduate from college, my professional career has spanned both the private and public sector, from engineer to manager to professor. Outside of work I am involved with my church and many civic and non-profit organizations as a volunteer, board member and board co-chair. My diverse experience has given me a unique perspective and helped me understand and connect with people from a variety of backgrounds. These experiences have been valuable and allowed me to successfully work together with people from all walks of life to achieve shared goals.
2. What is the most effective way for the city to allocate resources to address homelessness and racial inequality?
These problems are best addressed by identifying their root causes.
Homelessness and poverty are inextricably linked. Being poor means being one illness, one accident, or a missed paycheck away from living on the street. Policies such as paid sick leave and livable wages make people less vulnerable to setbacks, while also respecting and rewarding hard work. Stopping wage theft and ensuring equal pay for equal work are also important.
Affirmative Action, Fair Chance ('Ban the Box') policies, and Racial Equity Impact Assessments are significant and concrete ways to continue improving our society and dismantling racial inequality.
3. What other important issue faces the community you seek to represent, and how would you address it?
DEVELOPMENT: Fitchburg is a unique community with both rural and suburban areas. Preserving areas like the Waubesa wetlands, while utilizing smart development for responsible growth is essential. Protecting our natural beauty, exercising conscientious stewardship of taxpayers’ dollars, and listening to the community is the responsibility of our city government.
TRANSIT: While Fitchburg lacks a central school system to bring the community together, we have wonderful amenities like our Senior Center, Library, and Splash Pad. Expanding access with enhanced transit will provide more residents the opportunity to enjoy these public features, while reducing traffic and building a stronger community.
1. What in your professional and community background qualifies you for this elective office?
Since becoming the first member of my family to graduate from college, my professional career has spanned both the private and public sector, from engineer to manager to professor. Outside of work I am involved with my church and many civic and non-profit organizations as a volunteer, board member and board co-chair. My diverse experience has given me a unique perspective and helped me understand and connect with people from a variety of backgrounds. These experiences have been valuable and allowed me to successfully work together with people from all walks of life to achieve shared goals.
2. What is the most effective way for the city to allocate resources to address homelessness and racial inequality?
These problems are best addressed by identifying their root causes.
Homelessness and poverty are inextricably linked. Being poor means being one illness, one accident, or a missed paycheck away from living on the street. Policies such as paid sick leave and livable wages make people less vulnerable to setbacks, while also respecting and rewarding hard work. Stopping wage theft and ensuring equal pay for equal work are also important.
Affirmative Action, Fair Chance ('Ban the Box') policies, and Racial Equity Impact Assessments are significant and concrete ways to continue improving our society and dismantling racial inequality.
3. What other important issue faces the community you seek to represent, and how would you address it?
DEVELOPMENT: Fitchburg is a unique community with both rural and suburban areas. Preserving areas like the Waubesa wetlands, while utilizing smart development for responsible growth is essential. Protecting our natural beauty, exercising conscientious stewardship of taxpayers’ dollars, and listening to the community is the responsibility of our city government.
TRANSIT: While Fitchburg lacks a central school system to bring the community together, we have wonderful amenities like our Senior Center, Library, and Splash Pad. Expanding access with enhanced transit will provide more residents the opportunity to enjoy these public features, while reducing traffic and building a stronger community.
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