Democrat

I am an attorney at a Quincy law firm, and primarily practice civil litigation, family and election law. I am a graduate of QPS (Clifford Marshall, Point Webster, QHS), Suffolk University and Suffolk Law.

I am an attorney and fourth generation lifelong Ward 2 resident. I truly believe that I represent the past, present, and future of Quincy and Ward 2. With my level of knowledge and love for the Ward, and the people in it, legal skillset, and communication skills, I believe that I am the best choice to guide the Ward 2 residents through the next phase of our City.

1. Senior Safety - Ward 2 has the largest population of senior citizens in Quincy, many of whom I have known my entire life through my own grandparents, and all of whom I respect. The safety and care of the senior population is paramount and my number one priority. I was named a Quincy Dems 2021 COVID Hero for my efforts to make sure the seniors in our neighborhood had their necessities (prescriptions, groceries) during the height of the pandemic. Further, keeping a close eye on the status of the renovations at the Fore River Clubhouse is very important. I plan to make sure that project is completed as soon as possible, and afterwards that it be utilized as a senior center. My recent efforts regarding security and safety concerns at 1000 Southern Artery, after hearing from the residents and numerous meetings with management, have resulted in the implementation of a new key-fob system and security cameras. That is the level of constituent service, and the level of care for our seniors, that I plan to bring to the City Council.

2. Preservation and Smart Development - Many residents in our city are concerned with the uptick in development over the last 10-12 years. I am a proponent of smart development (residential and commercial development that fits in with the neighborhood and serves the community), and also preserving and adding to Quincy’s green space.

There have been a number of commercial and residential projects in Ward 2 that I have worked to notify neighbors of, and collect opinions for, to present to either the Planning Board or the Zoning Board. Some of those oppositions have been instrumental in the boards’ decisions. It is important to maintain the residential character of both Quincy Point and Penn’s Hill. Beneficial variances that add to the value of the neighborhood should be granted - not every one that is requested. Building affordable housing, and also keeping multi-generational Quincy families in this city is a top priority of mine.

Business development on the Washington Street Corridor leading to the Fore River Bridge is also a topic that I am passionate about. Fostering connections with good companies who will give back to our community, both financially and philanthropically, and make Quincy their home is something I do as an Ambassador of the Quincy Chamber of Commerce. I always support local, small businesses when I am able, but am not opposed to larger companies coming in to alleviate our taxes as long as they are a good fit to this area. Involving the unions is a big priority of mine as well. My plan for some of the vacant commercial spaces would be to ask residents’ opinions and seek out businesses that the community thinks would be a good fit. Being proactive is how I plan to serve this community.

As President of the Ward 2 Civic Association, I have also made it a point to rehab our two beaches this year (2023), adding in new furniture with the funds from the state budget. I grew up at Mound Street Beach, as did my family, and also have fond childhood memories at Faxon Park. COVID brought people back to our beautiful outdoor spaces and it is my opinion that they both be utilized (by events) and protected.

I also plan to make sure the money that was appropriated for Faxon Park is being utilized to suit the needs of the park, its neighbors, and those who use it the most. At the community meeting held last month, residents liked the ideas of bathrooms, pickle ball courts, and a new pavilion. Those renovations should be underway sooner than later, as the funds were acquired years back and plans to improve the park have been discussed for over a decade.

3. Communication and Advocacy - A lot of residents don’t know what is going on in their own neighborhoods. As a result, I have distributed planning and zoning proposals, plans and hearing notices to mailboxes, and posted them online. I sincerely believe that being well informed of the processes will lead to fewer grievances.

Being a liaison between city hall and residents means being accessible, transparent, and responsive. It is the number one duty of a city councilor. As an attorney, I am available to my clients every day, around the clock. If elected, I don’t promise to always have good news, bad news, or any news at all. I do promise to respond in a timely manner to any questions or inquiries, host (at a minimum) quarterly community meetings (the Ward 2 Civic Association under my leadership has already hosted a number of “Town Halls” since we saw this as a need), office hours, and also project-specific meetings well in advance of any planning or zoning board hearings.

Further, knowledge of the law (zoning statutes, landlord/tenant/residential disputes, land use), and my professional level of advocacy and representation, are positive assets that I plan to bring to the council.

I am also invested in promoting the diversity of Ward 2 (including but not limited to cultural, religious, and the LGBTQIA+ community), making sure our school-aged kids have the necessities to prosper in today's World, promoting green and energy efficient environmental improvements.

I have always participated in as many of Quincy's activities as I can. I have been in charge of a number of community events as the President of Ward 2 Civic Association and the President of Quincy Pride. To name a few, I have participated in Cleaner Greener Quincy, Interfaith Stop the Stigma 5K, Touch a Truck, Point Webster/Clifford Marshall's Fun Run, Quincy High's sports and events, community events at Quincy Point Congregational Church, and many many more.

I will communicate with my constituents with regular, local, ward-based Community Meetings and Office Hours, via social media, phone calls, emails, text messages, etc. Whatever mode of communication it takes to publicize Quincy/Ward 2 news.

Assisting the senior community at 1000 over the better part of a year is something I am very proud of. Many of the people in control of the building would not return calls or answer questions. After hours of research and due diligence, I knew I had viable grounds to make sure the seniors got the safety measures that they deserved. It was a long process, but I stayed the course. Every phone call, email, letter and meeting that brought us to the March meeting in which management confirmed security cameras, a new key system, and capital improvements after years of complaints and denials was worth it.

Also, I have been involved in Quincy Pride since 2019, long before it was the large, welcomed production it is today. I have, over the years with my amazing board and committee, taken this 501(c)(3) to great heights. Now, the event brings in around 3,000 people a year and raises funds that we give back to Quincy and LGBTQIA+ non-profits. The event is acclaimed and has been featured on Chronicle.

I recently had a great meeting with NeighborWorks Housing Solutions, a company who has done a lot of great work by the Fore River Shipyard on Winter Steet, including but certainly not limited to the Watson. I plan to help organizations like NHS find the properties and the resources to build more affordable housing units in Quincy.

As President of Quincy Pride, this has been my goal for years. Quincy Pride (Q Pride) was created in 2018 to celebrate the rich diversity of The South Shore Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (or questioning), Intersex, and Allies (LGBTQIA) community toward efforts to promote acceptance, diversity, inclusion and respect. We do this through our flagship festival, town halls, school outreach, scholarship programs, social brunches, and further, by partnering with the Mayor's LGBTQIA+ Commission and the United First Parish Church, helping promote and form the City's PFLAG (parental support) chapter, and so much more.

I attended a meeting on the Granite Links lease a couple of months ago that was very informative. I am not in favor of the extension of the lease as it is presented, but hope and think that this is a good time to make sure the residents received the amenities and the level of upkeep promised years ago.

There are a number of initiatives that Quincy could implement, and that I would be a proponent of, to make our city more environmentally friendly. The top improvements that come to mind include but are not limited to: curbside food waste collection, gas powered lawn equipment, making sure there are more charging stations for electronic vehicles in development.

Aside from participating and publicizing good events on social media and in newsletters, etc., planning them is also a great way to get people involved. Event planning in this city is a strong suit of mine. I have planned many well attended, philanthropic or nonprofit-based community events and have the contacts, resources, and ideas to execute them. Getting kids involved at young ages is also important, as is involvement in the schools and communication with staff.

Of my current donations, 5% of the total have been from developers and 10% from companies that do business with the City (inclusive of said developers, and many small businesses). 90% of my contributions are from individuals, with about 70% from Quincy residents, and over 50% from Ward 2 residents.

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