issues
Transparency- The residents and stakeholders in our city have an inherent right to know what is going on within the city and the city government at all times. I will vote against any efforts to withhold information from our stakeholders, and will freely discuss information not restricted by Non-Disclosure Agreements.
Accountability- Every stakeholder deserves to know why their elected representatives voted a certain way. I will provide the rationale behind my votes in a timely fashion, and will encourage questions to be asked of me at all times through a variety of communication channels.
Communications- Council meetings not being broadcast to the residents of Nassau Bay is an affront to good governance. Putting together a team of citizens to livestream council meetings and make the recordings available for all to see is just the start of the effort to ensure consistent communication with the people. Ultimately, council meetings, town halls, committee meetings, and even special events should be broadcast online by the City and on Comcast Channel 16 to keep people informed and engaged. Mobility, scheduling, time constraints, and health factors should not limit any citizen's ability to stay connected to and involved in their community. We are better together. (UPDATE: 1/24/2022 After our strong petition campaign, council has decided to stand up a task force to analyze bids and make recommendations based on our city's needs to ensure broadcasting/livestreaming the city council meetings. A decision is expected at the April Regular meeting. In the interim, the City will utilize its existing technologies to livestream meetings to FacebookLive and the city's website.)
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Flood and storm mitigation- The City has made great strides in improving drainage and working to mitigate flood damage in recent years. I plan to continue the city’s efforts to work with local, state, and federal agencies as well as utility companies in mitigating storm damage to our residents during catastrophic weather events, including tropical systems and deep freeze events. Each event is an opportunity to learn what changes have or have not worked. After each event, a comprehensive analysis must be conducted and new ideas explored to find the best ways to mitigate the impacts of the next storm. I support the Coastal Spine (also known as the "Ike Dike") as a means of ultimately protecting not just Nassau Bay, but our entire region.
Committees- Whenever a committee is tasked by council to perform a function, the committee should always have the option to explore the possibility of not moving forward with a project. This would have alleviated the concerns and controversy of the Kid Course 1800 project. I also acknowledge that serving on a committee is a sacrifice of time and labor to the City of Nassau Bay. I am grateful to each member that takes the time to dutifully research and execute the tasks they are entrusted with. I will not take their conclusions or recommendations lightly.
Parks- Task the Parks and Recreation Committee and the Keep Nassau Bay Beautiful Committee to work with a contractor to develop a comprehensive Parks Plan for Nassau Bay that will include development plans for 1, 3, and 5 years out, as well as outlines for 10 and 20 years. This will include all city green space, including the medians on NASA 1, and the Boardwalk area on Upper Bay Drive, along with replacing the aging equipment in Swan Lagoon Park.
Property Re/development (Commercial)- Work with the property owner/developer that owns the undeveloped property on Space Park Dr in the Town Square area, as well as work to redevelop the former City offices on the corner of Space Park Drive and Upper Bay Drive, with the goal of attracting businesses and amenities such as new restaurants (including a bar), in accordance with the Comprehensive Master Plan that was completed in 2020. Encourage development of waterfront property behind Lockheed Martin on Space Park Dr as suggested in the 2012 Livable Centers Plan.
Property Re/development (Residential)- Preserve the rights of property owners to develop, maintain, and redevelop their property in accordance with existing city ordinances and construction codes. I will not add to the burden that property owners face when managing construction projects. As the average age of homes in Nassau Bay is around 50 years, the likelihood of redevelopment of properties increases as homes are bought and sold. We want to encourage redevelopment, not hamper it.
Utilities- Work with council and city staff to put necessary pressure on utility providers to ensure our aging grid is modernized and able to provide consistent and stable power to all residents of Nassau Bay, even during moderate weather events which have seen power outages last for hours and even days. Ensure contractors are meeting their benchmarks with the Water/Sewer line projects and re-analyze our needs as the projects meet their marks.
Public Works/NBPD/VFD- Continue to invest in people and the equipment required to keep them safe in performing their jobs that keep our community safe and vibrant. Ensure that our city's opportunities are not just comparable, but are attractive to ensure we maintain and grow the very best city staff available. Rally community support and involvement to show appreciation to all of our dedicated city employees.