Issues
Homelessness, Public Safety, and Affordable Housing
Homelessness Priorities: It is my plan to revitalize Olympia with a focus on our downtown core. Olympia has a vibrant history but right now our downtown is struggling. I will work to help the homeless population without sacrificing the welfare of our downtown and small business owners.
I have asked a team of individuals who have made it out of addiction and homelessness to be a part of a focus group to help address these issues. They are success stories and I plan on using their knowledge to get us out of this crisis.
I have over 20 years of experience working to help those struggling with drug addiction and mental health issues to obtain resources and maintain their accountability.
My goals when elected:
1. Allocate unrestricted funds towards treatment and recovery programs, with the goal of self-sufficiency for those experiencing homelessness.
2. Redirect a portion of homelessness and housing funding towards an emergency treatment response.
3. Develop clinical paths based on needs of individuals and require all service providers to align their services accordingly.
What we have been doing for many years is not working for all. We have spent millions to only see our homeless population rise. As a community, we need to be self-reflective on what has and has not worked and be willing to change direction.
Public Safety Priorities: Effective public safety is about creating systems and strategies that protect communities while maintaining order, security, and well-being for all. It involves a combination of law enforcement, emergency response, public health, and community engagement.
Having worked for the Washington State Department of Corrections for over 20 years, I collaborated with law enforcement frequently. It is a very difficult job. Without the support of the community and its leadership, the Olympia Police Department (OPD) cannot effectively carry out their duties of public safety for all members of the community.
I support a system where police officers are not the only responders to every crisis but are part of a larger network of resources. I will prioritize community engagement, fairness, accountability, transparency and the use of non-violent methods to address crime and public safety.
I believe in building strong, trusting relationships between law enforcement and local communities. When fully staffed and trained, OPD and Olympia Fire Department work together in a much more effective and efficient way to protect and serve the public.
Affordable Housing: Growth is inevitable and I believe that, as a city, we can provide a variety of affordable housing options for low- and middle-income families. I would like to help streamline the building process by having better and easier access to permits, inspections and impact fees. We need to have a smart plan that will allow for high density housing that will sustain our existing neighborhoods and small businesses.
Affordable housing is a complex issue. It involves balancing the needs of residents with the interests of developers, contractors, landlords, and local government. I am committed to working with all parties to accomplish this goal.
Olympia is the capital of our beautiful state. As such, it should be the cleanest, safest, most welcoming city in the State of Washington. I want to foster a community that allows for conversations and collaborations regardless of political, racial, or sexual orientation, that are built around mutual respect and common ground. As a woman and a lesbian, I understand what it feels like to be marginalized. I will do my best to ensure all voices are represented and heard.