Strong neighborhoods are the foundation of a strong Springfield.  I pledge to be an energetic and effective advocate for strong neighborhoods on the City Council. I will work to protect, preserve, and strengthen neighborhoods. My neighborhood program will include a primary emphasis on crime prevention through expanded police patrols and bolstered neighborhood watch efforts; active enforcement of zoning, building, and sanitary code regulations; promotion of homeownership and retention of young families; controlling commercial development; and ensuring that retirees and seniors have access to public facilities and services.

   Crime is the scourge of civilized society. It strikes at the fabric of our neighborhoods.  To protect our neighborhoods, I propose expanded police patrols to deter criminal activity.  We should be aware of and implement appropriate community policing models.  Just as importantly as patrols, I propose an increase in neighborhood watch programs in which residents work with police to identify concerns and to become more alert to potential problems.  Regular meetings between police and residents such as the Sector meetings are essential.  The Police Department will find me a willing ally in efforts to increase funding for personnel, training, and technology.

    The attractive residential character of the neighborhoods of Ward 7 is a strength for our city.  To maintain that character, I will be vigilant about enforcement of zoning, building and sanitary codes and regulations and ensure that problems are addressed.  I will also provide a procedure by which residents can confidentially register complaints or concerns.

    Springfield should maintain all public property and facilities in a satisfactory manner. Basic services such as street sweeping and plowing, pothole repair, proper signage, traffic control, and waste collection are all essential to maintaining safe and livable neighborhoods. No problem is too small in preserving our neighborhoods.

  We must encourage young families to make Springfield their home through good schools and parks. My son and daughter-in-law chose Ward 7 when buying a home and I will work to enable other young families to do the same. The neighborhoods of Ward Seven offer a vast supply of reasonably-priced homes on pleasant, safe streets conducive to raising families.  These neighborhoods and homes are an asset to Springfield.  I intend to preserve these same conditions for years to come.

     I will support activities and services that enable people of all generations to live together in peace.  We need to protect our elderly residents and ensure that needed services and programs are accessible and affordable to them. These senior homeowners made our neighborhoods great, and we must support and care for them.

    In order to stay informed on neighborhood conditions and to provide easy access for residents to voice their concerns, I will hold regular office hours in convenient locations throughout the ward. My e-mail and phone will be public to foster easy communication for those residents who cannot attend office hours. In my approach to preserving the neighborhoods and solving problems, I will gather data from residents, neighborhood, senior citizen, and faith-based groups, city departments and from CITISTAT to help clarify the nature and extent of a problem.

The needs and concerns of the residents of Ward Seven and Springfield will be of paramount concern for me.