How I Aim to
Serve You
My goal is to deliver real change that makes Hopewell safer and more accessible for everyone, its government more inclusive and its future more sustainable. Here's a look at my public policy priorities:
Traffic Safety My candidacy for the open Borough Council seat grew out of my work as an advocate for traffic safety improvements in Hopewell since moving to the borough four years ago. Last summer I joined other concerned citizens to work in support of an ordinance to form an official traffic safety committee – Hopewell Borough's Pedestrian and Bike Safety Advisory Committee – that I now chair to assess, research and advise the borough on the issue. We've conducted a thorough safety audit and are evaluating a series of measures including things like traffic-calming gateways at the entrances to town and strategic curb bump-outs. As a member of council, I will continue working to ensure that our streets are safe for everyone, including by supporting the implementation of the traffic-safety committee’s recommendations. Accessibility and Inclusivity I want to make it easier to be involved with our local government. I will push to make all public meetings of the Council and other Borough committees hybrid by default so you can attend either remotely or in person, when possible. I would also increase Borough outreach to residents to inform the broader community about upcoming events, public policy issues and alerts. If elected, I will also commit to holding monthly, hour-long open zoom calls at convenient times for residents who may be unable to attend meetings to ask questions, raise concerns, and receive updates about what’s going on in town. Smarter Development New development is a challenge for a town like ours. We can and should be able to make sure that new development fits into the aesthetic and feel of our unique and historic town. I will advocate for new development to be congruous with our existing homes. I will also push to make it easier for owners of single family homes to add legal additional dwelling units, for instance by finishing unused attics or basements, where safe and appropriate. I will also work to better incentivize developers who want to create affordable units in town. With home values rising, we need greater flexibility to address the housing needs of young families and workers at stages in their careers where many Hopewell homes may be out of reach. ADA Improvements I will also pursue grant funding for projects that make our public buildings and streets more accessible for disabled people. Some of these projects can be incorporated into broader street-safety improvement projects. Gun Violence Prevention As the mother of two young daughters who will attend Hopewell Elementary, I also am concerned about gun violence. I would promote an ordinance to help ensure that gun owners in the Borough store their firearms safely. We can take simple straight-forward public awareness actions to promote safe gun storage in our community. Modeled after campaigns such as BeSMART and Project Safe Child that have been successfully implemented in many areas, I would propose a survey of Hopewell residences that includes a safe firearm storage checklist and work with our Township police partners to begin participation in an evidence-based free-safety lock distribution program. Civil Discourse If elected, I will make sure that every voice has an opportunity to be heard. I want my daughters–and your children or your grandchildren—to grow up thinking that local government can be rewarding and even fun, and that is the spirit I will bring to serving you. |