What skills and experience do you have that make you a strong candidate for City Council?

Throughout my upbringing in Texas, I actively volunteered with various non-profit organizations dedicated to empowering under-resourced communities. These experiences significantly developed my communication, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving skills.  Furthermore, I'm committed to community engagement.  As a regular rider of the VIA bus system, I understand firsthand the daily transportation challenges faced by many, and I’m interested in ensuring its accessibility and ADA compliance.

Priorities: What do you see as your district’s biggest needs? How do you plan to address them?

A key priority in District 8 is enhancing the VIA Link zoning and ensuring ADA-compliant infrastructure at bus stops. This includes a comprehensive assessment of street and sidewalk maintenance needs. Furthermore, I advocate for funding subsidized late-night transportation shuttles specifically for restaurant workers. This initiative addresses the increasing safety concerns faced by these individuals, who often work late hours and lack reliable transportation, making them vulnerable to crime.

Project Marvel: What are your thoughts on the proposed new downtown facility for the Spurs and nearby redevelopment? How would you suggest financing it, if at all?

I'm excited about the job opportunities that it would bring to our city! Regarding financing, I believe exploring innovative approaches is warranted. One possibility is crowdfunding, engaging local Spurs fans interested in micro-investing in the associated real estate development. This would foster a sense of community ownership while potentially providing a return on investment. Ultimately, a blended approach, combining public funding with private investment, is likely the most effective way!

Homelessness: Where do you see the city’s place in addressing, assisting and reducing our homeless population?

District 8 is home to the South Texas Medical Center, where emergency rooms often serve as a default healthcare provider for individuals experiencing homelessness. The city can leverage a data-driven approach in collaboration with the Medical Center to analyze the root causes of this reliance on emergency services and develop interventions to address the underlying mental health crisis. Furthermore, advocate for increased state and federal funding for both affordable housing and public safety.

Economic Development: What are your thoughts on economic development in your district?

Local businesses and I advocate for attracting investment and empowering small businesses to stimulate economic growth. We must prioritize innovative planning to ensure continued utility and internet access during emergencies. Residents demand greater transparency regarding tax dollar allocation, including readily accessible online expenditure breakdowns. A more responsive local government is essential, particularly concerning the substantial budget allocation to contracts impacting residents' quality of life, notably road maintenance and traffic congestion.

Housing: What does affordable housing mean to you? Do you think more affordable housing should be built in your district or not?

Affordable housing means housing costs (rent/mortgage plus utilities) don't exceed 30% of each household's gross income, preventing financial hardship and potential homelessness. While supporting in-demand jobs such as restaurant workers and construction labor wages often fall below the cost of living, impacting those on fixed incomes like the disabled and veterans. Affordable housing near workplaces/hospitals, within VIA zones, is crucial for those lacking vehicles or driving ability as well!