What are the top three issues facing the City of Jackson and how would you address them?

Each area of Jackson has its own concerns or challenges but one universal concern is our infrastructure, the roads specifically. People are tired of our crummy roads. Roads contribute to economic development and are important to the growth of our neighborhoods. This issue must be addressed and we must let our Citizens know what that plan is, even if the plan has to be adjusted along the way.

I would start by creating a list of the roads, worst to best, and a 2nd list of infrastructure (water & sewer), worst to best. We know the lead water lines have to be replaced within 35 years. Use that time frame as the goal to replace all roads. The roads that are 15 years out or longer for construction should be milled down and overlaid to get through until it is time for their reconstruction. At the same time put policies and enforcement in place to help preserve our roads - establish a maintenance program for roads in good condition; enforce vehicle weight limits; explore a one-hauler trash system to reduce truck traffic in the neighborhoods; make sure our roads have good drainage; do regular street sweeping to keep debris from getting into cracks and causing severe damage; conduct regular crack-filling and sealcoating; and maintain manholes in good condition.

The second concern is reducing gun crime. There is no “one size fits all” for this issue. I believe there has to be a comprehensive gun crime response strategy in order to get a positive outcome. We need many elements put in play to really crack down and eliminate this problem. The City is receiving over $31,000,000 in pandemic relief money. If possible, this would be a great time use some of these dollars to implement the following:

1. Shot Spotter (or something similar) is a system of sensors which creates an algorithm that accurately detects, locates and alerts police to the location of gunfire. Our police would be able to provide consistent, rapid, and precise response to gunfire. They could be in the right place at the right time to save lives.

2. Group Violence Intervention (GVI) is a community-based violence intervention program which reduces homicide and gun violence, minimizes harm to communities by replacing enforcement with deterrence, and fosters stronger relationships between law enforcement and the community.

According to Giffords Law Center, "GVI capitalizes on recent research in the field of criminology that suggests people are far more likely to follow laws they perceive as legitimate. While law enforcement plays an essential role in GVI, the strategy’s success depends on the dedicated participation of community leaders. When this happens, at-risk individuals are more likely to recognize that police are acting on behalf of the neighborhood, rather than as an occupying, external force. In this way, the GVI model not only reduces gun violence, but also has the potential to rebuild strained relationships between law enforcement and residents of high-crime urban neighborhoods."

3. Utilization of the City Police Simulator as an educational opportunity for our community. A citizen can experience a real life scenario through the use of this simulator. It puts the individual in the shoes of a police officer when they need to make a split second decision.

4. Group purchases of Ring Doorbell and exterior lighting products so our citizens can more affordably protect their property.

5. Citywide tree and shrub trimming of public property and identifying street areas that need brighter or new lighting.

The third area of concern is neighborhood development and economic growth. In the City Master Plan about 30 neighborhoods were identified within the city limits. We need to take a close look at each of these neighborhoods, make sure the boundaries are appropriate, identify assets in each area, and utilize the resources in the area to work with residents & business owners on development strategies.

Each neighborhood has its own unique character and as a City, they need to be emphasized, built around, and marketed. Create a place on our website that talks about each neighborhood and its amenities. As we are improving our infrastructure we should be focusing on more walkable, bikeable, accessible sidewalks, trails and “traffic-calming” devices. We also should develop partnerships with private enterprise to install broadband to ensure internet accessibility for all.

We need to review all of the vacant parcels the City owns and consider what type of infill projects can be done to add to or complement the neighborhood and increase our tax base.

We should look for ways to encourage home or building improvements which will improve the overall appeal of a neighborhood; develop grant opportunities and other incentives; work with residents to form Neighborhood Watch Groups; make sure everyone knows who their neighbors are; and have a good balance of market rate and affordable housing.

We can facilitate connecting our local businesses to their surrounding neighborhoods; talk to business owners about the services they provide and how they can help the area grow and improve through employment opportunities and offering incentives and discounts.

We must pay special attention to our ”middle neighborhoods.” These are neighborhoods that have long been stable communities for middle and working class families but are often teetering on the edge of decline. Modest investments in middle neighborhoods can sustain them as safe, affordable communities which offer a high quality of life and opportunity for growth.

We can promote financing opportunities to lower income families so that they can share in the benefits of home ownership, grow their personal equity, and have a greater stake in the improvement of their neighborhood and the city at large.

MLive has reported that 60% of Jackson’s households earn less than the cost of living. How will you help the city create paths out of poverty for Jackson residents?

First focus on improving the low income neighborhoods and use MSHDA financing to fund and upgrade housing. Once an area starts seeing improvement, we will need to preserve affordable housing and minimize displacement to ensure that the residents who want to stay can afford to do so.

We can grow our economy which will in turn expand job opportunities leading to increased income. Keep in mind that it is vital to not only Increase the number of jobs but also the quality and earning potential.

Education is key for upward mobility. I would encourage strong early childhood development programs; make sure educational institutions teach all students to the highest level and not the lowest; and sponsor programs that offer future employment, skilled trades training, and internships.

Employment is one of the most effective, lasting ways to reduce poverty. We can encourage employers to remove barriers to work by offering affordable child care options; advancing racial equity and diversity; offering predictable scheduling with reasonable flexibility; paying a living wage; and creating programs for advancement.

Providing access to high-quality health care is essential - not just the cost, but availability and transportation to get to it. The City can collaborate with the Jackson Area Transportation Authority for easier access to health care facilities in addition to all the other places people have to go in order to live a normal life, e.g. the supermarket, pharmacy, etc.

What did you learn about the Jackson community in 2020, and as Mayor, how would you leverage that knowledge to make it a better community for all residents?

I believe that Jackson is a strong community that survives hardships, takes advantage of opportunities, and shines in its accomplishments. Jackson is a complex and diverse community which, like almost every other municipality, has its problems which I think are solvable with the right mix of knowledge, hard work and dedication.

In March of 2020 we were jackhammered by the pandemic and the frustrations it brought down upon us. It was encouraging to see how business owners worked together and promoted each other, community members supported local businesses, and the City looked for ways to reduce fees and red-tape.

I saw how Jackson citizens came together during peaceful protests and I was proud of the way Jackson citizens spoke out during very tumultuous times. We watched other cities have civil unrest but Jackson citizens demonstrated and made their voices heard while keeping peace and open dialogue.

The pandemic continued longer than anyone could imagine. People became frustrated by political decisions. We saw businesses change how they operate. Some businesses became strong while others struggled and even closed. We saw the earth become a little greener. We heard chaos and silence at the same time. The economy boomed when we thought it would take a dive. People became less formal, more comfortable on zoom instead of in person, and enjoyed government support when it was needed.

Coming out of the pandemic it will be important to remember that our community members need help - help with finding jobs with fair pay, help with upkeep of their property, and help navigating the new reality of the world.

Being your mayor will give me the opportunity to help solve problems, communicate solutions, focus on the strength of our community, and improve on weaknesses. I will take the lessons of 2020, my experience as a city councilmember, and everything I have learned as a business owner and resident to leverage growth and prosperity throughout the City. I will find innovative ways to address the concerns about gun fire, speeding, and public safety issues. I will work to support businesses with recovery from COVID-19. I will work hard to make sure there is equity in housing, employment, and justice.

Would you recommend any steps the city could take to support Jackson businesses?

Affordability is probably the most important issue that businesses face: Rents can be high, there are expenses that have to be paid, employees to find, and if located downtown, there are parking fees. When the pandemic hit there were additional costs in complying with mandatory and desirable health protocols. These are expenses that can be prohibitive for small businesses and we need to help them to thrive, not just survive. Some things we have done and can do in the future include:

• The food industry is probably among those most significantly affected by the crisis. To assist, we extended the public area where restaurants can deploy tables to help them meet social distancing guidelines and open their business.

• We have created a Social District downtown where patrons can consume alcohol purchased from one of the downtown restaurants or bars while enjoying public outdoor areas.

• Utilizing resources such as the Downtown Development Authority, Jackson Chamber, and Experience Jackson to promote and encourage buying local.

• Educating businesses about exemptions that can help decrease financial impacts such as the Small Taxpayer Exemption for Personal Property less than $80,000.

• Educating businesses about tax incentives when buying a building such as Brownfield Redevelopment (environmental & obsoleteness), Commercial Reinvestment Act, OPRA, or other tax incentives.

• Promote opportunities for smaller spaces to help upstart companies, decreasing rent costs and incubating the business to grow, such as encouraging large new construction projects and/or utilizing a City owned building such as the Masonic Temple to establish small retail and office spaces.

• Continue our collaboration with the Anchor Initiative and Scott Fleming to focus on economic growth.

• Work on cutting red tape, simplifying burdensome ordinances, and reducing required fees and added costs.

• Assist with opportunities to ensure we have the talent base that employers need.

I have personally put a lot of effort into stimulating and supporting business in the City of Jackson:

• I was part of the Master Plan Process which established the improvements for our downtown and the growth of the City to make it a more desirable place to live and work.

• I was part of the task force which established Blackman Park, which offers a venue for outside entertainment including music and food trucks.

• In 2015, I opened The Orange Peacock Gallery to help stimulate retail downtown.

• I helped bring the University of Michigan School of Information to work with the City of Jackson to help increase communication between various elements of the community and its citizens.

• I worked with MDOT on the 2 way conversion of the loop around downtown Jackson which helped increase the desirability of development.

• We put on the Amazing Race Jackson event for 6 years where contestants were in and exposed to local business and attractions throughout the City.

• I created a Landlord Conference to educate our Landlords.

• For 5 years I have provided ARTitude - a pop up Art MarketPlace which offers opportunity for local artists to have a store front during the holiday season.

• In 2013, 2014 & 2015, I worked with the REALTORs Association to bring placemaking projects to the downtown area and around the City to help stimulate activity.

• In 2018, presented the REALTORs Association with the idea of installing wayfinding signs sponsored by local businesses on the Falling Waters Trail. This program is being expanded to place signs on the MLK Equity Trail multimodal pathway.

• In December of 2020, I created the Shop Small/Win Big promotion which provided four $1,000 cash prize awards to people who shopped at a small retail establishment within the City limits of Jackson.

Jackson businesses provide job opportunities, tax income for the city, and make our community more desirable to residents and visitors. It is important that we do everything we can to support businesses and encourage growth.