Issues

I will work to build upon Wakefield’s best natural and man-made infrastructure assets. My priorities will be to preserve our neighborhood character, address development issues, and invest in key infrastructure such as roads, transit, schools, and recreational opportunities. Together, all of these improvements form the connections that make a good community even better. Connecting neighborhoods and supporting local businesses will be a key goal of my service on the Council.

• Advance the Envision Wakefield Downtown Plan. Completion of the Envision Plan will be a long-term investment for the downtown core and local business activity.
• Push for completion and begin implementation of Wakefield’s 10-Year Master Plan
• Make our streets safer and more attractive for all users (drivers, pedestrians of all kinds and bike riders). Safer streets translate into better environments for kids, families and senior citizens while increasing property values.
• Build more of the “Complete Streets” model, such as Albion Street and the re-design of North Avenue.
• Look for innovative approaches to improve the mobility of senior citizens such as a micro transit (minivan) service.

I will listen and talk with residents of every viewpoint, seeking to create genuine dialogue and understanding. I will pledge to work for the Town’s best interests and bring more people into public discussions. As a member of the Master Plan Advisory Committee, I understand the many local government responsibilities and initiatives that can make Wakefield a more engaged community. I firmly believe in active and informed local decision making and have been involved in the community in several ways:

• Door knocker for the Galvinize Wakefield Campaign to secure funds for the new Galvin Middle School.
• Member, Master Plan Advisory Committee
• Founding Member of Safe Streets Wakefield, an all-volunteer organization
• I pledge to hold regular office hours to maintain dialogue with residents.
• I will support the Safe Streets Sundays and Porchfest events to bring residents together for fun and active events.

Wakefield is experiencing growth in housing developments which result in added traffic congestion and use of public services such as school enrollment, police, fire and health services. Reducing traffic congestion goes hand-in-hand with my focus on building more “complete streets” in Wakefield; making the streets multi-modal.

As a Councilor, I will focus on existing town initiatives, such as the Housing Production Plan, to encourage the development of well-designed and affordable housing. I will prioritize ways to increase greenspace and its usage in the community including:

• Work with Town Departments and Friends of Lake Quannapowitt to maintain water quality.
• Maintain and improve public parks and athletic facilities. 
• Open the Rail Trial and make aesthetic improvements to maximize the use of this linear park.
• Create micro parks as part of street re-construction, intersection improvements, or on small, municipally owned property.