Good governance starts with open dialogue and inclusive decision-making. Our town of 12,000 has a range of perspectives, and I want to ensure everyone feels heard — whether they strongly align with the majority or hold different viewpoints. I am committed to regular informal check-ins, structured discussions, and using our town app for surveys and polls to gather real-time community input on key decisions. By engaging residents early and often, we can ensure our policies reflect our collective needs and aspirations.
From my time working as a senior technologist at the White House and the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control, I developed a practical and flexible way of solving problems in government — one that includes testing ideas, gathering feedback, and making improvements along the way. Instead of making big, slow-moving decisions behind closed doors, we can break down complex challenges into smaller steps, try solutions on a smaller scale, and adjust based on what works. I plan to work with committee chairs and town officials to develop a more responsive approach to policy-making, based on values of transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement to better serve our community.
Our commitment to sustainable development shouldn’t just stem from legal obligations but from a genuine belief in the benefits of diverse communities. Diverse communities encompassing various ethnic, socioeconomic, and cultural backgrounds experience enhanced health outcomes and social cohesion. By embracing inclusivity, we enrich our social fabric, promote empathy, and foster a more vibrant community.
Having studied urban planning and sustainable development at Columbia University, I have a deep understanding of the complexity of these issues and an appreciation for how they can shape a community. While our town has much to benefit from investing more into diversity, we also must balance growth with the capacity of our schools and infrastructure as well as the historic character of our community. We must conduct thorough assessments of our public utilities to ensure they can accommodate the anticipated growth. Engaging in comprehensive planning and community consultations will allow us to identify potential strain points and develop strategies to mitigate them. This proactive approach ensures that while we open our doors to new residents, we maintain the quality of life and services that make our town exceptional.
Our town has seen the lowest crime rates in a decade, with notable declines in domestic violence and break-ins. But statistics don’t matter when you’re the one affected by a burglary or crime. My commitment to Haddonfield residents is that I will work closely with our public safety professionals and neighborhood groups to further strengthen public safety.
Neighborhoods across Haddonfield are close communities with vibrant walkable streetscapes. Our kids walk to school, visit downtown, and play in yards. We need to ensure that traffic safety is a priority on every block. I am committed to working with local, county, and state officials to bring the best traffic management solutions possible to ensure the safety of our kids, families, and residents with disabilities.
Transparency and communication are essential to fostering trust. I commit to exploring and sharing regular updates on crime trends, ongoing safety initiatives, and ways residents can be involved in prevention efforts. By ensuring people are informed and engaged, we can address concerns head-on while maintaining the welcoming, safe community we all value.