Issues in Ward 6

I will advocate for funding for the northeast residents for after school
programs and mentorship of teens to reduce stagnation time. We need to
empower our businesses by offering tax incentives to bring in more diverse
businesses. Start an apprenticeship program offering training to educate those
who seek to start a business.

In combating homelessness , I would advocate for a strategy to paired
housing with prevention, wraparound services, and systemic equity reforms,
while building on existing programs. I will encourage more multidisciplinary teams
such as mental health clinicians, peer counselors, and addiction specialists to
assist in informed care navigation.
Salem’s housing shortage drives homelessness, displacement, and
economic instability. Over 1,000 residents are unsheltered, and median home
prices have surged 40% since 2020.  There is a chronic violence issue facing
northeast Salem (65% of shootings in 5 sq. miles) reflects systemic inequities in
underinvested neighborhoods, schools and parks.
I will make sure we more affordable housing such as duplexes and townhomes
throughout Salem, not just in the northeast. I will expand the multi-unit property
tax exemption beyond downtown, and partner with developers to build mixed-
income housing such as the current development on Auburn Road and State
Street.

I would conditionally support the City Livability Levy if it is designed with
equity, accountability, and clear public benefit in mind. Salem’s budget shortfall
threatens essential services like the library, Center 50+, recreation programs, and
parks. A levy could stabilize these areas if it includes strict oversight and a
transparent community engagement to ensure funds address immediate gaps
without becoming a permanent burden.
We need to change the systematic approach that disproportionally serve the northeast
into an inclusive one.