League of Women Voters "Voter's Guide" Responses

 

I have always associated the League of Women Voters with involvement in and promotion of state and national elections. I was surprised, but I suppose that I shouldn't have been, when I received an email invitation to submit information for their Voter's Guide, VOTE411.org.

My responses to their three questions are below. Responses were limited to 500 characters. The first two responses are short versions of information that I put in the Oregon voters pamplet. The response to the third question about homelessness is the first time that I have written my thoughts about this topic:

What kind of leadership can you bring to the City and the City Council?

I will bring 28 years of community engagement to the city council that includes collaboration with public, private, and nonprofit organizations. As an educator, I believe in looking at issues from multiple perspectives. I will be independent from the influence of special interests and give thoughtful consideration to all opinions and viewpoints on issues that come before the Council. I will be accountable and transparent; committed to making decisions for the benefit of all of our residents.


What do you see as the city's major needs and goals?


1. Improve systems that ensure accountability and transparency in city council practice and decisions regarding the use of city finances and resources. 

2. Promote sustainable economic growth that provides family wage jobs.

3. Ensure that the development of the waterfront, Boise White Paper property, and wastewater treatment lagoon prioritizes the health and safety of our residents and the environment.

4. Ensure that all residents feel welcome and empowered to participate in city government.


How would you address the needs of the homeless in our community?


I will take a proactive approach. It seems that the City has been reactive, not anticipating the needs of the homeless population. I would immediately begin to advocate for the City to work in cooperation with other local agencies to develop a plan to address homelessness that is comprehensive and responsive to the circumstances of the pandemic and changing climate conditions. Additionally, I would want to coordinate with the school district to respond to the needs of homeless students.

Comentarios

Publicar un comentario

Entradas más populares de este blog

Work History

Imagen
  Work History Director of Religious Education, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Indio, California, 1985-1988 Director of Religious Education, Sacred Heart Co-Cathedral, Charleston, West Virginia, 1989-1990 Director of Religious Education, Catholic Communities of Geyser, Stanford, Hobson, and Moore, Montana, 1990-1992 Director of Religious Education/Pastoral Associate, St. Frederic's, St. Helens, Oregon, 1992-1999     This is the job that brought me and my family to St. Helens. Director, CASA of Columbia County, 1999-2000     This was a bridge job as I completed my Master of Arts in Teaching program and began my teaching public school teaching career. I worked with the Columbia County Commission on Children and Families to establish an independent Court Appointed Special Advocate program in Columbia County. Unfortunately, this independent program was not viable and it was dissolved. Fortunately, a CASA continues in Columbia County throught the auspices of another org...
Leer más

Wastewater Treatment Lagoon

I think that the potential filling of the wastewater treatment lagoon could be the most controversial project to be considered by the St. Helens City Council in the next four years. The repurposing of the wastewater treatment lagoon must be undertaken with as much community input as possible and to ensure that the development is done in ways that protect the safety and health of our residents and the environment. I do not like the proposals put forth to fill in the lagoon and to develop the land with athletic fields, buildings and parking spaces. I have ideas that would provide for community use in a more natural setting. I want the City Council to convene community input sessions as it did four and more years ago to engage residents in this important decision making process. You will find more information and documentation at this link: https://www.sthelensoregon.gov/administration/page/central-waterfront-redevelopment
Leer más

Response to Questions form the Spotlight

I received an email request on Friday from The Spotlight to respond to five questions. The response deadline was 5:00 pm Monday with a request to limit each response to 150 words or less. The responses will likely be edited. Complete responses are below. How would you describe the city’s level of public transparency? What are the strengths and weaknesses?    The city’s  level of public transparency is uneven.    I think that the city makes a good faith effort to communicate with residents but there is always room for improvement. In my personal experience, city staff usually respond in a timely manner to question when I email or call. The city has a presence on social media including Facebook Twitter. Notices of meetings are made according to legal requirements.   I think that one improvement needed is to find a way to provide clearer information about city finances. Our city is audited every year. The audits have not shown any major issues about how city ...
Leer más