What to Expect
I look forward to representing District 2 and the Franklin community, both those who have lived here for 40+ years and those who have recently joined the Franklin community. We all call Franklin our home. As an Alderwoman, it is my hope to serve our community, and if given the opportunity, I give you my word that I will do so professionally and transparently, as we work together in our common goal of sustainable economic development and fiscal responsibility.
My Aldermanic Objectives
Staying Connected and Transparent with the Franklin Community
As an educator, we know that consistent communication and transparency provide families confidence and a sense of well-being. I want to take this knowledge and understanding and transfer it to the residents of Franklin. Transparency in the Common Council should be more than open records. Transparency is a collaborative environment in which residents not only have the ability to express their concerns but more importantly, know someone is hearing them and doing their darndest to do something about it! I would achieve this by creating and maintaining an online presence with not only relevant District 2 information, but that of all of Franklin, facilitating dialogue around key decisions that are accessible, comprehensive, and user-friendly, based on community needs and insight, including up-to-date opportunities for residents to get involved. Whether a resident speaks at a meeting or reaches out directly, as an Alderwoman, I will hear all concerns and appropriately represent District 2 as well as all of Franklin.
Economic Development
As a property owner, I know that with economic development, the tax bill gets smaller. This economic development can also provide additional benefits to the community outside of the tax base.
As an alderwoman, I will push for an updated master plan and work with the City to create a unified development ordinance that will provide developers the ability to build without having to consistently request rezoning or pre-planned developments due to outdated ordinances and master plans. These mechanisms will allow the City to plan for the future and provide a blueprint and a clear path for developing in Franklin.
I look forward to supporting our local entrepreneurs, retailers, and businesses that make Franklin a great place to live. Finally, I will hold both new and old companies and businesses to the same standards that we hold our residents to so we can all be good neighbors.
Fiscal Responsibilty
Fiscal Responsibility is a large component of the Common Council, from balancing the budget, providing services for the residents, to providing competitive salaries for our dedicated employees of Franklin. I will manage this through a system of efficiency and sustainability. With the overall goal of reducing property taxes so we can keep residents in their homes.
Infrastructure
As the City of Franklin continues to develop, additional infrastructure will be needed to provide services to the residents and businesses of Franklin. When deciding on these various needs, the question that I will always ask is “How does this benefit the Franklin community, and what will you do to mitigate harm?”
Parks and Recreation
I look forward to continuing to support the Parks Commission in their development of new and existing parks and trails that many of the Franklin residents use and love. I would like to foster a relationship with the Franklin Recreation Department to allow for more programming for residents of all ages.
Housing and Schools
There is a clear relationship between our school systems and affordable housing. There is a nationwide housing shortage, but if all we do is build more homes or apartments and fail to invest in our schools, what good is that going to do for our future? I look forward to working with Franklin Public Schools to establish a strong partnership and make sure that we are developing housing that meets the needs of the community without putting a burden on the school district.