I am running for Kent County Commission District 8 on four main issues: Housing, Sustainability, Economic Development, and Education.
Housing
The County Commission has made great strides in housing over the last several years, and I want to recognize that, but there is more to be done. While there is a good amount of housing being built, including multiple projects in District 8, not enough emphasis has been made on ensuring equitability in the housing that is being built. We need more housing in general, but we particularly need to focus on constructing more affordable housing. I’m committed to seeing that happen if elected.
Sustainability
Ensuring our county continues to have a focus on sustainability is essential for our future. We need to do our part to combat climate change and that starts at the local level. One of the most public-facing pieces of this has been the proposed sustainable business park. I am in full support of ensuring that project becomes a reality and that we continue on our path to greater sustainability as a county.
Economic Development
Connected to that is economic development. Job growth will help ensure the sustained health and prosperity of our community. Attracting small business and encouraging local entrepreneurship should be a central focus of the county and I am committed to fostering an environment where all communities that call Kent County home have a seat at the table to ensure that that business growth and opportunity is equitable and inclusive.
Education
Finally, fostering a strong and vibrant community requires strong and vibrant schools. The 8th District is diverse and includes parts of four unique public school districts. All our kids deserve an equal opportunity to succeed, but that is not always the case. As a graduate of Godwin Heights, I know that firsthand. While that problem can’t be solved just at the county level, I promise to do everything in my power to make sure that all our kids have that opportunity regardless of what zip code they grow up in. The county commission had an opportunity this year to help better prepare our kids by proposing an increase in the Ready by 5 millage. Instead, they voted to keep it at its current level. The next time that millage comes up, I will support an increase because we owe it to our children, our future, to give them access to all the tools they need to succeed.