Priorities

I will work tirelessly to reform our criminal justice system to place greater priority and more resources on arrest and conviction of violent and repeat offenders.
      •    Advocate for a nationwide search and transparent process for selection of police chief
      •    Support a community policing strategy combining government and community involvement
      •    Advocate for issuance of summonses instead of arrests for certain municipal offenses
      •    Support Vera Institute reform recommendations, including increasing the range of release
            options, expanding alternative sentencing options, and funding drug and mental health
            courts and diversion programs for non-violent offenders, so that prosecutorial and judicial
            resources can be aimed at violent offenders  

I will fight to overhaul the city's broken budgeting process.
      •    Advocate for change of Home Rule Charter to allow City Council needed time to review
            administration’s proposed budget and hold budget hearings
      •    Develop a meaningful process to align spending with citizen priorities and fully
            implement Budgeting for Outcomes
      •    Require departments to provide line item budgeting, especially for third party contracts,
            and institute line item appropriations
      •    Support the Office of Inspector General’s mission to detect and prevent fraud, waste and
            abuse in the spending of public funds.

I will promote economic development to increase our city’s tax base and ensure our city’s future as a Model City for the 21st Century.
     •    Encourage the new mayor to sign the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement establishing the
            N.O. Economic Development Council (the “Public Private Partnership”) to place all of the
            tools for economic development under one “roof”
     •    Promote the Green Industry and smart growth to build back sustainably and innovatively and
            to promote small business and job growth

I will continue to be a strong advocate for the protection and growth of our district’s diverse and unique neighborhoods.
     •    Promote passage of the Master Plan and revamping of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance
     •    Streamline procedures to encourage voluntary compliance and to enforce blight judgments to
           get properties back into commerce
     •    Continue the District A President’s Council and expand its scope and role to promote cross-
           neighborhood discussion and understanding

 I will promote youth initiatives that will reduce juvenile crime and create productive citizens.
     •    Take NORD out of City Hall; maintain it as a public institution with independent oversight
     •    Monitor reforms at Youth Study Center and design criteria for new facility
     •    Fund model programs that target at-risk youth and present them with choice between tough
           law enforcement for crimes and coordinated support services
     •    Recommend creation of a point person in Mayor’s Office to coordinate government youth
           services and initiatives