Blackouts are becoming all too common. DTE's power outages are not only increasing in frequency, but also in severity, leaving residents, businesses, and even critical infrastructure in the dark.  This is unacceptable. These outages have a cascading negative impact. Homes lose vital air conditioning and refrigeration, especially dangerous during heat waves. Businesses face lost productivity and potential damage to sensitive equipment. Hospitals and other critical services can be disrupted, jeopardizing public safety.

The root of the problem lies in DTE's monopoly. Without competition, they lack accountability. Unresponsive customer service leaves residents frustrated and helpless.  Furthermore, concerns have been raised about insufficient investment in infrastructure, leading to a system vulnerable to breakdowns. We deserve better. We need a reliable public power grid and a utility that prioritizes our needs. Let's come together and demand change.

To cultivate a brighter future for our youth, we must invest in their education. We can achieve this by forging strong relationships with leaders at Ypsilanti Community Schools, Lincoln Consolidated Schools, and Van Buren Public Schools. This collaboration will pave the way for exciting initiatives.

One such initiative involves partnering with Eastern Michigan University. By leveraging programs like the Early College Alliance, we can create a seamless pathway to higher education for high school students, especially first-generation students. Additionally, implementing a mentorship program pairing university students with middle and high school students will provide invaluable guidance and support throughout the college application and transition process. This comprehensive approach will empower our students to thrive academically and achieve their full potential.

To create these, we must invigorate our community's future by partnering with local leaders, business owners, and diverse professionals. Together, we can offer summer workshops alongside Michigan Summer Works. These workshops will empower young people by exposing them to a vast array of career paths.  Through practical guidance and real-world experience, participants will gain the tools they need to turn their aspirations into achievable goals.

I will immediately advocate for comprehensive cleanup efforts to remove PFAS contamination from Ford Lake and the Huron River, prioritizing public health and safety. This includes working with local agencies to identify and eliminate sources of PFAS contamination, such as industrial discharges and contaminated groundwater.

I will advocate for stronger regulations on PFAS chemicals, including stricter limits on industrial discharges and enhanced monitoring of our water sources. Including, taking legal action and regulatory enforcement to hold polluters responsible for the contamination and compel them to finance these cleanup efforts.

Utilizing Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) for housing projects that allow people to rent based on their AMI for a certain period is crucial. This allows residents to save money for a down payment on a permanent home, turning affordable housing into a pathway to homeownership. 

Ann Arbor's rising costs are pushing residents out and into Ypsilanti Township, creating a ripple effect. This influx is straining Ypsilanti's already tight housing market, driving up rents and making it even harder for residents to find affordable places to live. To address this, we must demand restrictions on outside investors who are snapping up properties and converting them into short-term rentals. This will help ensure our housing stock remains available to residents seeking to build a long-term future in our community.