1. Strengthen Economic Development
Bringing jobs to Lowell and the revitalization of downtown is essential for our City’s growth and development.
The Lowell Innovation Network Corridor or LINC project offers a transformational opportunity for Lowell. It will bring more than 600 million dollars of private investment and up to 2000 good jobs into our downtown.
This project will bring business, employment, housing and tax revenue to the city. It could be the biggest thing to happen to Lowell since the National Park in the 70’s. As a City Councilor, I will work with UMASS Lowell and all other stakeholders of this project to make sure the city’s interests are heard and the LINC becomes a reality!
I also support the creation of a Business Improvement District or BID District in our downtown. Such a district would raise funds from downtown property owners to keep downtown welcoming for residents and visitors alike.
The broken window theory suggests that small signs of disarray and neglect increase the probability of crime and vagrancy.
On the contrary, small beautification projects promote an orderly environment and deter crime.
Everyone loves ribbon cuttings and new business, but I believe the addition of a BID district designation will help both long time business owners and new owners alike.
2. Quality of Life in our Neighborhoods
As a mother raising two young boys in Lowell, I am deeply invested in making our City a safe, vibrant, and comfortable place for all families. I want to ensure our children have access to protected green spaces, safe streets and walkable neighborhoods.
This includes fixing our sidewalks, supporting projects that will calm traffic and reduce speeding on our streets, improving our parks, and supporting public safety workers like fire, police and EMS.
3. Public Health and Safety
As a member of the Lowell Board of Health over the last five years, I have supported policy that protects our residents from threats to our public health.
Homelessness is an issue that the city struggles with. In my time as a social worker and with the Hunger and Homelessness Commission I have seen first-hand the challenges and threats to public safety that homeless encampments pose to public health. As a member of the City Council I will use my experience to help manage this problem.
I believe that homelessness is a regional issue. Right now, other communities direct their homeless population to Lowell because we have shelters and services to help. While I support programs that provide a path to shelter and self sufficiency for the homeless population, Lowell should not be expected to bear the burden of this issue for the entire region. As a councilor, I will drive the City leadership to fight for more resources from the state and other local communities to curb this difficult challenge.