Keeping the Community Safe
I am committed to putting the safety of our community first. As your representative on the County Board, I will work to create policies that prioritize safety, focusing on reducing crime and creating spaces where everyone feels safe and included. I will take a proactive approach to addressing the challenges that face our community, investing in resources and programs that help prevent crime and promote community safety.
Safe Spaces for Youth: As a resident of Arlington and a mother to two young children, I care deeply about the safety and well-being of our community, especially our youth. That's why I am committed to working hard to create more opportunities for kids to have safe spaces to go when they're not in school. By investing in programs and resources at our community centers, we can help prevent drug use and reduce crime amongst our youth. I am dedicated to improving the lives of everyone in our community, starting with our youngest residents.
Youth Programming: I’ve noticed the focus on other areas in our community has overshadowed the great need for programs geared towards children. As a passionate advocate for our youth, I will fight to prioritize the needs of our younger community members. I believe that every child deserves access to high-quality programs that encourage growth and development in a safe, supportive environment. Part of that mission is advocating for important initiatives like increasing access to safe and engaging parks and recreation and sports programs for our youth. I believe that by making youth activities a priority, we can help reduce crime and create a brighter future for generations to come. With the right resources and the right leadership, we can make a meaningful impact on the well-being of our entire community.
Drug Awareness Campaign: Drug addiction can tear families and communities apart. That's why I'm committed to doing everything in my power to prevent it. I will make drug education a top priority and will initiate a campaign to educate the community, particularly the youth, about the dangers of drugs, much like the DEA’s One Pill Can Kill campaign. By working together, we can help prevent addiction and make sure that all residents have the tools they need to live happy, healthy lives. Join me in this effort. Let's stand together and say no to drugs, and yes to healthy, vibrant communities.
Mentorship: As a long-time resident of Arlington, I know first-hand the potential and accomplishments of its people. One of my primary goals as a County Board member is to initiate a mentorship program that connects young people with successful community members for guidance and support. This program will act as a stepping stone for the next generation of Arlingtonians to pursue their aspirations.
Drug Treatment: One of the most pressing issues we face is the drug epidemic. Our schools are seeing an alarming number of overdoses and fatalities caused by drug use. We cannot stand idly by and let this happen. As your County Board member, I will work tirelessly to tackle this issue head-on. It's time for Arlington to take bold action against the scourge of drugs. I pledge to work to open a drug treatment facility (perhaps by transforming one of the vacant buildings) where individuals can get the help they need to overcome addiction, including treatment programs geared towards youth. I will work with parents, teachers, nonprofits, and other community members to address the root causes of drug use and find innovative solutions to this problem. Together, we can make our community a safer and healthier place for all to live.
Mental Health Services: An investment in mental health services is an investment in the wellbeing of all our residents. My policies will reflect the firm belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to live a happy and healthy life. I understand the significant impact that mental health services have on the safety of our community, which is why I will fight for better resources and increased access for those who need it most.
Cross-Jurisdictional Coordination: The DMV area has witnessed a surge in carjackings, break-ins, assaults, and thefts, making it imperative for us to develop a collaborative strategy with nearby jurisdictions to tackle these mutual issues. This may include establishing multi-jurisdictional task forces to develop strategies to combat problems many jurisdictions in the area are seeing such as carjackings. I will advocate for coordination and cooperation between different agencies, law enforcement, and communities to address these challenges and make our neighborhoods safer for residents.
Funding for Emergency Services: As we continue to grow as a county, it's essential that we prioritize our emergency services, including our police, firefighters, and first responders--all of which are currently understaffed. One option is to provide an education bonus for those with college degrees, either in the form of a step increase or a percentage of salary. As your County Board member, I will work tirelessly to bring our pay for emergency personnel in line with departments in neighboring communities, ensuring we recruit and retain the best to serve our community.
Student Loan Forgiveness or Payback Assistance for Officers: I am committed to finding smart and effective ways to retain our police officers. One of the ways I would like to do that is by offering a student loan forgiveness or payback assistance program in exchange for continuing to work for ACPD or the Sheriff's Office for a designated period of time. This program would reduce the financial burden of student loans for officers, while also ensuring that we retain experienced and dedicated officers in our community.