Safer Communities

Prior to running for City Council, I was the local Event Lead with Moms Demand Action’s Alexandria’s Chapter.  That work has informed my role on Council not only in terms of gun violence prevention but in how we make our communities safer, more inclusive, and with design and implementation that considers the needs of all.

What this means:

• Advocating for funding and partnerships with local law enforcement to provide education and training on safe gun ownership, distribution of trigger locks, and mediation locks for safe storage.  These non-partisan projects reduce the likelihood of accidents involving children, suicide by gun, and access to firearms and prescriptions by those who present harm to themselves or others.
• Leveraging the tools at the City’s disposal and working with law enforcement and related agencies regarding the availability of emergency risk protection orders, the enforcement of new laws preventing those convicted of domestic abuse from accessing firearms, and ensuring that victims or potential victims of abuse know they have support and access to community resources. Ensuring access to information by offering materials in multiple languages and with appropriate cultural supports.
• Street design that is conscious of all manners of travel, including pedestrians, bicyclists, ADA consideration, and simply maintains our streets and sidewalks in ways that provide safe surfaces for all. This must extend beyond the well-worn paths of Old Town and into developing mixed-use spaces in the West End and suburban spaces throughout the City.
• As our Community Police Review Board begins its work, we need to listen to the voices of leaders of historically marginalized communities with a history of experiencing discrimination by the justice system. The resulting CPRB must have representation from those communities, real investigatory powers, and a system that guarantees police accountability to their conclusions.  
• Guaranteeing that LGBTQ students are accepted and supported in our public schools and city space.
• Removing barriers to access of information including technological or language barriers, and ensuring all citizens have means to access their local government.  I am proud of the work this Council has done to create a Town Hall program as well as increased availability of translation and interpretation services at City programs.  
• Remaining conscious of the needs of neurodivergent members of our community and support relevant state and local programs.