Candidate for
Council Member; City of Newark

I believe that public safety is a priority.

I think that City Councilors must always remember that we serve the public and cannot take that public for granted.

We need to pay attention when members of the public talk to us during Council meetings, we need to go out of our way to attend neighborhood meetings.

We need to recognize that the Internet and email is an increasingly popular method for people to communicate with us.

I believe that the City must work harder to ensure we don't spend money unnecessarily.

I believe that good schools are at the heart of a healthy city.

We need a Long-term, Sustainable Housing Policy for people who do not have high paying jobs or a background of wealth.

I believe that no one knows a neighborhood better than the people who live there, and I will try to listen to those people as often as I can.

I believe we are responsible to our city employees---the people who work with us every day. We should treat each employee with respect and dignity and recognize his or her accomplishments.

I believe in consideration, courtesy, creativity, dedication, determination, flexibility, hard work, honesty, integrity, innovation, professionalism and teamwork.

Throughout my career and in scores of volunteer activities, I have shown my dedication to taking on challenges and solving problems.

Goals:

• Strive for excellence in the delivery of appropriate, cost effective and responsive government services, recognizing individual needs and respecting the dignity of all of our internal and external customers.

• Promote an environment that fosters the development of state-of-the-art systems and technology and provides opportunities for on-going training and development for all City of Newark personnel.

• Promote efficient and timely decision making that fosters collaboration between the City of Newark, and the community.

• Create an organizational environment that recognizes and encourages creative management solutions while responding to opportunities and challenges in the daily city environment.

I pledge to treat the citizens of Newark, visitors and colleagues with dignity and respect; honor each person's right to privacy; respect all individuals' differences; and support cultural diversity in our community.

I pledge to maintain a professional working environment, perform my job to the best of my abilities; and endeavor to enhance my skills.

I pledge to demonstrate a welcoming, helpful and professional manner towards our community, visitors and colleagues; show that these individuals are the most important part of my job; exhibit appreciation for the loyalty of our citizens as well as respect for our colleagues.