Previous political experience (Have you ever run for office or staffed for an officeholder? Have you ever been an active member of another party or worked on any campaigns?) If “Yes”, please list and describe your prior political campaign experiences, including candidate/issue, date, location, role and impact.
I previously ran for City Council in the city of Riverdale in 2013. I ran vs. Wonda Wallace. The issues have not changed much, Transparency in government communication, Cleanliness of the city, repairing roads in our neighborhoods and subdivisions, better community police patrolling the neighborhoods and not so much time being spent sitting on the highways looking for traffic infractions.
Previous civic experience outside of politics?
I was a volunteer coach for the Riverdale Blackhawks Football Program for 10 years, I’ve also volunteered with the Clayton County School system as mentor for middle school aged children. I’ve served as Governor of AAU Tackle and Flag football for the state of Georgia.
List three reasons why Democrats in Clayton County should vote for you.
Because I’m committed to making Riverdale a better place to live and raise a family. I’ve lived in Riverdale 27 years and I’ve seen this city go backwards or remaining stagnate in it’s growth and services to its citizens. I will propose changes in theses area and garner support to get changes implemented.
I have a relationships with members of the School Board and County government that I can leverage to further get things done. So I come knowledge people who I can partner up with to get things done more clearly quickly.
My background in Consulting will allow me to understand the details in planed projects allowing me to better communicate what’s happening to the constituents of Riverdale.
What do you aim to achieve by running for office?
I aim to make Riverdale a better place to grow up, raise a family and live a lifestyle worthy of the being proud of.
Is there any area of government that you would vote to expand in any way? If so, please list and describe.
I would have to research the budget and make a better decision.
Would you support expanding nondiscrimination protections for your city’s residents in public employment, private employment, public accommodations and housing to include sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, domestic relationship status, parental status, familial status, veteran status and hair style or texture?
Yes
Do you support ending single-family zoning to allow for more diverse housing options? *
No
What incentives would you offer businesses to come to your city?
That we have a community of educated people who are eager to be better served. Were in a good place with taxes due to the increase of home values so if a tax incentive was reasonable that may be considered.
What solutions would you bring to your intended position to 1) mitigate contributions to climate change in housing and transportation 2) increase flexibility and security in response to climate change and 3) diversity transportation options for your residents?
2 & 3
I’m not versed on EPA standards and means. To answer that I would listen to the experts and work along with them to devises a solution that would meet the new requirements and could fit within the city budget.
As someone elected to your position in city government, you will be able to appoint or influence appointments of persons to various city boards. How will you ensure that you’re selecting the right individual?
Interviews, references and a sound background check
What is your position with regard to zoning changes within your city or district/post (with regard to logistic centers, retail development, housing, or other commercial develop)?
I’m pro on growth, business and commercial development
What is your stance on minimum parking requirements? Would you work to eliminate such requirements to reduce stress on climate, space use and property cost?
I think in order to keep parking should be controlled therefore . i would not relax parking requirements.
What is your stance on decriminalizing jaywalking and removing or reducing police from low-level traffic enforcement, given that a growing body of research has called for removing police from traffic enforcement due to the high level of unnecessarily adverse interactions between civilians and police? If not, why?
I don’t think police should be removed from those areas. I feel through better training and posturing of the police relationships will get better.
Current Georgia law requires that all bicycles must come to a complete stop at stop signs and red lights. Would you support this law being changed in order to allow cities like yours to adopt the “Idaho stop”, in which bicycles are allowed to treat stop signs as yield signals, as is currently allowed in 9 states? If not, why?
No I will not support that.
What is your stance on raising the minimum wage to $15 or more?
I support that
Do you support decriminalizing cannabis possession within city limits?
I support that
What solutions would you introduce or support to increase housing supply and reduce cost of living in your city?
Not sure
How will you promote restorative justice and address abusive and racist practices by the police force?
List three reasons why Democrats in Clayton County should vote for you:
I support the goals of the Democratic Party locally and nationally through active participation through financial support and by working to elect Democrats.
I will work to protect the right to vote.
I support paying people a living wage, equality in housing, protecting access to health insurance for all, job training and protecting Civil Rights.
What do you aim to achieve by running for office?
Decrease the poverty and unemployment rates in Riverdale.
Diversify retail and casual dining offerings in Riverdale and Clayton County to retain sales tax dollars going to Henry, Fulton and Fayetteville counties.
Increase opportunities for young high school graduates not going to college to participate in Apprenticeships and Internships
Repair roads in Riverdale neighborhoods
Clean up trash along city streets
Provide representation to Ward 3 residents by holding quarterly listening sessions.
Is there any area of government that you would vote to expand in any way? If so, please list and describe.
Job Training for youths and adults in professions that are growing such as those in science, technology, light manufacturing, transportation ( truck drivers, train engineers and conductors) welding, construction, etc.
Home improvement grants to disadvantaged senior citizens and the disabled.
Access to medical insurance and care
Would you support expanding nondiscrimination protections for your city’s residents in public employment, private employment, public accommodations and housing to include sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, domestic relationship status, parental status, familial status, veteran status and hair style or texture?
Yes
Do you support ending single-family zoning to allow for more diverse housing options?
Yes
What incentives would you offer businesses to come to your city?
Tax abatements in return for documented job creation.
What solutions would you bring to your intended position to 1) mitigate contributions to climate change in housing and transportation 2) increase flexibility and security in response to climate change and 3) diversity transportation options for your residents?
The promotion of building materials that can be recycled and electric vehicles and mass transit.
More use of non-evasive energy such as solar and wind where feasible.
Install bike lanes, commuter trains, ride sharing.
As someone elected to your position in city government, you will be able to appoint or influence appointments of persons to various city boards. How will you ensure that you’re selecting the right individual?
People seeking to be appointed to City boards and commissions should complete an application and list their qualifications to serve. Boards and commissions should reflect the gender, racial and economic composition of the community.
What is your position with regard to zoning changes within your city or district/post (with regard to logistic centers, retail development, housing, or other commercial develop)?
Zoning changes should do “no harm” to existing establishments. Changes should seek to co-exist and not displace.
What is your stance on minimum parking requirements? Would you work to eliminate such requirements to reduce stress on climate, space use and property cost?
My answer depends on where the minimum parking requirements will be located. If it’s downtown that is designed to be walkable then yes I would support them.
What is your stance on decriminalizing jaywalking and removing or reducing police from low-level traffic enforcement, given that a growing body of research has called for removing police from traffic enforcement due to the high level of unnecessarily adverse interactions between civilians and police? If not, why?
I am not in favor of removing police officers from traffic stops because of the aggressive nature of some drivers these days. Simple traffic accidents often quickly escalate to violence.I think that a properly trained police force will know how to de-escalate when tempers flare.
Current Georgia law requires that all bicycles must come to a complete stop at stop signs and red lights. Would you support this law being changed in order to allow cities like yours to adopt the “Idaho stop”, in which bicycles are allowed to treat stop signs as yield signals, as is currently allowed in 9 states? If not, why?
Yes, if State law allows Idaho stops for cyclists I can support that as well.
What is your stance on raising the minimum wage to $15 or more?
100% supportive
Do you support decriminalizing cannabis possession within city limits?
Yes
What solutions would you introduce or support to increase housing supply and reduce cost of living in your city?
The housing stock should reflect the economic base of the city BUT be able to attract housing to accommodate rising incomes, ie. starter homes for first time homebuyers that match their incomes and and as incomes rise and people want to continue to live in the same area, next level housing should be available. I believe that every effort should be made to increase INCOMES so that everyone enjoys a comfortable lifestyle.
How will you promote restorative justice and address abusive and racist practices by the police force?
Yes, I would support a “Second Chances” program for all felons not just non-violent offenders.
Any Other Issues/Topics You Wish To Discuss?
We need to create a “School to Work” program instead of a @School to Prison” or “School to Grave”. We MUST stop the senseless deaths of people especially young people.
Please submit a short biography
I am a native of Georgia who was educated in the public schools of Columbus, Georgia. I have been a business owner. I have an advance degree in Public Administration and have worked in local government for most of my professional career. I have two daughters and recently became a grandmother for the first time! I have lived in Clayton County since 2004.
Please fill out a campaign statement (less than 200 words)
I am a candidate for Riverdale City Council Ward 3 because I believe that we can do Better! Better in Economic Development, Employment, Beautification, Housing, and Education. Riverdale has a reputation of being dirty, crime infested and poverty stricken. This is not true! I can help change the image and narrative for Riverdale and Clayton County using my extensive contacts in the private and public sectors.
