A City in Need

As the legislative branch of our city government, the city council plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of our community. It’s clear to me, for our city to thrive, we need to focus on three key areas: open communication, public transparency, and equitable distribution of resources and services across all districts.

#### Open Communication: Bridging Gaps and Building Trust

One critical need I see is fostering open communication within the council itself. At-large councilpersons, by virtue of their position, should actively engage with all city councilors to grasp the unique issues affecting each district. It’s not enough for council members to simply represent; they must also serve as a bridge between the community and the council, as well as between the council and city administration.

To facilitate this, we need to host regular town hall meetings and attend neighborhood watch gatherings. These interactions will ensure community concerns are not just heard but acted upon. We must strive to be more than a voice—we need to be a proactive connector between the city’s various stakeholders.

#### Transparency: Building Trust Through Clarity

Transparency is essential not just for sharing information, but for building trust. Reasons for decisions made by the city council should be clear and records should be accessible to the public. Questions and concerns from the community should be addressed promptly. By committing to this level of openness, we can foster a stronger, more trustful relationship between the council and the citizens it serves.

#### Equity: Fair Distribution of Resources and Services

Equity in resource distribution is crucial. Every district should receive the attention it needs, from capital improvements to programming. The at-large position’s responsibility is to have a comprehensive understanding of the city’s needs and ensure resources are fairly distributed across Alexandria.

#### Addressing Key Issues for a Better Future

1. Crime and Public Safety: Alexandria’s crime rates are high, significantly above the national average. Our police force is understaffed, despite having a budget for a full team. We need to investigate reallocating these unused funds to enhance public safety. This could involve investing in cameras for high-crime areas, improving monitoring systems, monitoring the cameras, and upgrading officer training and equipment.

2. Blight: The presence of dilapidated and burned-out properties, especially in high-crime neighborhoods, diminishes community pride and safety. We've got to allocate resources to combat blight, potentially through increased funding for cleanup efforts and targeted investments in maintaining and improving neighborhoods.

3. Utility System: The city’s utility system, regulated by the council, is crucial for providing safe and reliable services. With electricity rates among the lowest in the state, there’s room to focus on establishing firm policies for regulating cutoffs during extreme weather events, establishing billing procedures that compensate for unread meters when staffing is short (not enough meter readers). For example, average monthly billing.

4. Brown Water: Despite rigorous testing at the source, the brown water reaching our taps raises concerns about its safety. The problem often stems from old infrastructure and disturbances during repairs. Addressing these infrastructure issues is vital for ensuring our water remains safe and clean.

5. Youth Recreational Programming: There’s a pressing need for enhanced recreational facilities and programs for our youth. Investing in parks like MPT Community Park, in the Martin Park neighborhood, could provide more activities, such as basketball and soccer fields, that enrich the lives of young residents. Programs like the Police Explorers can also bridge the gap between youth and law enforcement, fostering better community relations.

As I campaign for the City Council At-large position, I’m driven by a vision of new energy and compassion in our city government. Our city is at a turning point, and I believe that together we can bring about the changes needed to make our community work for everyone. I am committed to listening, acting, and ensuring our city’s future is bright and equitable for all.

Let’s change the game together, Alexandria.