Why are you interested in this position?
I spent time serving in the Ministry (I love helping others) but ultimately had to step away when I felt I was doing a disservice to the LGBTQ community. In my heart, I knew I needed to serve everyone, not a select few. When Bernie Sanders lost the nomination, his words motivated me to join this race and push for change. It became evident to me that if I wanted to continue to serve people, it would be in the capacity of Mayor.
What relative experience do you have in this career field?
I am a former Christian Minister, and as a church leader, I lead with empathy and love. It is the job of a servant to lead by example and listen to the needs of the people with care. Currently, I am an MBA student and a Substitute Teacher. My experience is serving others, which is the truest function of a public servant. To heed the voices of the people to have Empathy and work tirelessly for others in an altruistic fashion. “I did not come to be served, but to serve.” – Matthew 20:28.
What are 3 changes you would like to make while in office?
Invest in people creating wealth through: Job creation, increasing educational opportunities, youth leadership programs.
Free Public Transportation to reduce traffic and pollution.
End homelessness through housing and investments in Mental health facilities.
What are your top priorities for small businesses ?
·Give small businesses the support they need to lift off and generate success for our communities.
Eliminate business license fees.
Provide our businesses with support for marketing, finance, costing services and products, etc.
What are your top 3 goals or concerns for District 3?
Reduce Road noise and traffic with free public transportation
Improve public spaces such as parks and libraries.
Crime reduction strategies through opportunities (health, educational, occupational)
How would you address people who are concerned about the City and States Affordable Housing plan and its impact on their neighborhood?
It is everyone’s responsibility to address poverty and homelessness because it requires a collaboration of all communities to reintegrate folks into society. We must allow them the opportunity to build wealth and form a bright future for themselves and their families. We cannot sweep things under the rug; we must face and solve these issues together.
Do you have plans to strengthen Homeless Outreach Programs such as the Quality of Life Team, Project Homekey/Roomkey, etc...? Do you have ideas of your own you would like to implement?
Homeless outreach, mental care services, and housing are all vital parts of the response to a growing problem. Outreach requires significant investments and will be implemented with the care people deserve. Homelessness is not unique to Long Beach, I will seek to create a coalition of cities to unite our resources to address this issue and build the facilities we need to help our neighbors. Matthew 25:40 says, “The King shall answer and say to them, Truly I say to you, to the extent you did it to one of the least of these brothers or sisters of Mine, you did it for ME.”
What plan do you support/propose for The Queen Mary?
The Queen Mary has long been left in disrepair due to the poor management of previous administrations. Revitalizing the ship would cost hundreds of millions of dollars to return to its former glory. It would be irresponsible to spend such amounts on a ship while other needs fail to be met. I support any plan that does not take away resources from vital services such as our fire department, health services, park maintenance, etc.