Taxes
After seven consecutive 8% increases in the city’s property tax levy, Minneapolis residents cannot afford steep tax increases. I will work to ensure city tax dollars are spent wisely – on basic services residents depend on. The city and its citizens cannot afford to spend on frills or pet projects during a time of tight finances.

Zoning
I have worked in our neighborhood to protect our residential zoning where possible. We worked hard to downzone parts of the neighborhood to protect our limited historic housing stock. I will work to prevent erosion of zoning laws and to make sure that neighbors have a voice in zoning decisions.

Public safety
Public safety must be the city’s first priority. We have made gains in reducing crime. I will work to maintain or increase the number of sworn officers on the street. I will also focus on livability crimes that spoil our neighborhoods.

Schools
I am a long-time supporter of the Minneapolis Public Schools. City government should do everything it can to make our schools and students successful. I supported the recent Minneapolis school referendum and will work with school board partners on issues of common interest.

Basic services
We have good garbage and recycling programs in Minneapolis that we need to maintain. We can do better with snowplowing, street maintenance, and city infrastructure (lights, signage, bridges). We must return to a regular program of street maintenance and repair.

Environment
The city must buy green and all its policies should reflect the city’s environmental goals. I would work to add more green space, plant more trees in the city, and protect our existing canopy by preserving boulevard trees during street repaving projects. We should also work with city environmental non-profits to help implement green policies.

Development
We need sustainable and sensible development that creates jobs, protects our investment in homes and family, and provides amenities we want. We need to make sure that new restaurants, businesses and housing enhance our urban fabric and coexist well with our neighborhoods. I will also make sure that all interested persons have an opportunity for input on development issues.

Priorities
As a Council Member, I will be focused on issues that affect day-to-day lives of city residents, and city services that they depend on. The goal of city government must be to enhance the quality of life of its residents. International and national issues should be left to our representatives in Washington.