Priorities

Public Safety

Public safety is of paramount importance in House District 50, as it ensures the well-being and security of its residents, businesses, and visitors. Maintaining a safe environment fosters a sense of community trust, promotes economic stability, and enhances overall quality of life. Here are several key reasons why public safety is crucial in my platform:

  1. Crime Prevention: Effective public safety measures deter criminal activity, reducing the incidence of crimes such as theft, vandalism, and assault. By implementing proactive strategies, law enforcement agencies and community based organizations can address potential threats and safeguard the community.
  2. Emergency Response: Prompt emergency response services, including police, fire, and medical assistance, are essential for protecting lives and property during emergencies such as accidents, natural disasters, or criminal incidents. Quick and efficient response times can minimize damage and save lives.
  3. Community Engagement: Building strong relationships between law enforcement agencies and the community encourages collaboration and trust. 
  4. Economic Development: A safe environment is conducive to business growth and investment. Businesses are more likely to thrive in areas where they feel secure, attracting customers and investors. 
  5. Public Health: Public safety extends beyond crime prevention to include initiatives aimed at promoting health and well-being. This includes ensuring access to healthcare services, addressing substance abuse issues, and supporting mental health resources. A safe community fosters physical and mental wellness for all its members.
  6. Educational Opportunities: Safe neighborhoods contribute to positive learning environments for students. When children feel secure in their surroundings, they are better able to focus on their studies and academic pursuits. By prioritizing public safety, Gresham can enhance educational outcomes and support the future success of its youth.
  7. Cultural Vibrancy: A safe community encourages residents to engage in cultural and recreational activities, fostering a vibrant and diverse social scene. Events, festivals, and public gatherings can thrive in an environment where individuals feel secure, enriching the cultural fabric of Gresham.

In conclusion, public safety is fundamental to the prosperity and well-being of Gresham, Portland, and the overall East Multnomah County areas. By prioritizing crime prevention, emergency response, community engagement, and public health initiatives, Gresham can create a safer and more resilient community for all its residents to thrive.

Education

Supporting and improving the education system in Oregon is crucial for the future success and well-being of its residents and the state as a whole. Here's why it's so important:

  1. Education is the cornerstone of personal and societal development. By investing in education, Oregon can develop a skilled workforce equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing global economy.
  2. A strong education system fosters innovation and entrepreneurship, driving economic growth and prosperity. By providing students with a quality education, Oregon can cultivate the next generation of innovators, creators, and leaders who will contribute to the state's economic development.
  3. Improving the education system can help close the achievement gap and reduce disparities in educational outcomes. By providing equitable access to high-quality education for all students, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status, Oregon can create a more just and inclusive society.
  4. The world is evolving rapidly, with advances in technology, automation, and globalization reshaping the job market. A robust education system prepares students with the critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability skills needed to succeed in the 21st-century workforce.
  5. Education plays a vital role in fostering informed and engaged citizens who actively participate in civic life. By providing students with a comprehensive education that includes civics, social studies, and critical thinking skills, Oregon can cultivate a more informed electorate and strengthen its democracy.
  6. Education has the power to break the cycle of poverty and promote social mobility. By ensuring that all students have access to high-quality education and support services, Oregon can provide pathways for upward socioeconomic mobility and reduce intergenerational inequality.
  7. Education empowers individuals with the knowledge and skills to address pressing social, environmental, and global challenges. By fostering environmental literacy, sustainability education, and civic engagement, Oregon can cultivate a generation of environmentally conscious and socially responsible citizens.
  8. A strong education system is essential for attracting and retaining talent in Oregon. Families and businesses are more likely to relocate to areas with high-quality schools and educational opportunities, contributing to the state's long-term economic vitality and prosperity.

Supporting and improving the education system in Oregon is essential for preparing students for the future, driving economic growth and innovation, promoting social mobility and equity, and fostering a more informed and engaged citizenry. By prioritizing investment in education, Oregon can build a brighter future for generations to come.

Substance Addiction

Addressing substance addiction is critically important for individuals, families, communities, and society as a whole. Here are several key reasons why addressing substance addiction is of utmost importance:

  1. Substance addiction takes a severe toll on physical and mental health. Individuals struggling with addiction often suffer from a range of health issues, including organ damage, mental illness, and increased risk of infectious diseases. Addressing addiction is essential for restoring health and promoting overall well-being.
  2. Addiction can strain relationships and destabilize families. It can lead to conflict, financial difficulties, and neglect of familial responsibilities. By addressing addiction, families can heal and rebuild stronger, healthier relationships, providing stability and support for all members.
  3. Substance addiction often co-occurs with mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Providing integrated treatment for both addiction and mental illness is crucial for addressing underlying issues and promoting long-term recovery.
  4. Addiction can strip individuals of their autonomy and sense of self-worth. By offering access to treatment, counseling, and support services, communities can empower individuals to take control of their lives, regain independence, and pursue meaningful goals.
  5. Addiction can perpetuate cycles of trauma and dysfunction within families and communities. By addressing addiction early and providing comprehensive support services, communities can interrupt these cycles and promote resilience and healing across generations.

Addressing substance addiction is essential for promoting health, safety, and prosperity in communities. By prioritizing prevention, treatment, and recovery support services, society can create a more compassionate and supportive environment for individuals and families struggling with addiction.

Accessible Healthcare

Accessible healthcare is essential for individuals, communities, and societies to thrive. Here are several key reasons highlighting its importance:

  1. Accessible healthcare enables individuals to receive timely medical attention, preventive care, and health education, contributing to overall well-being and quality of life. Regular check-ups, vaccinations, and screenings help prevent diseases or detect health issues early when they are more manageable.
  2. Access to healthcare services helps address disparities in health outcomes based on factors such as income, race, ethnicity, gender, geography, and disability status. By ensuring that everyone has equal access to medical care, communities can work towards reducing health inequalities and promoting health equity.
  3. Many individuals live with chronic health conditions that require ongoing medical management and support. Accessible healthcare ensures that individuals with chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, hypertension, or asthma, can receive the medications, treatments, and support services they need to manage their conditions effectively and lead fulfilling lives.
  4. Accessible healthcare plays a crucial role in preventing the spread of infectious diseases and controlling outbreaks. Vaccination programs, disease surveillance, and public health interventions are essential components of accessible healthcare systems, protecting both individual and public health.
  5. Access to emergency medical services is critical for saving lives in situations such as accidents, injuries, or sudden illnesses. Prompt access to emergency care facilities, including hospitals, trauma centers, and ambulance services, can mean the difference between life and death in emergency situations.
  6. Mental health is an integral part of overall health and well-being. Accessible healthcare services encompass mental health screening, counseling, therapy, and psychiatric care, addressing the diverse mental health needs of individuals across the lifespan.
  7. Healthy individuals are more productive at work and in their communities. Access to healthcare services ensures that individuals can receive necessary treatments and interventions, reducing absenteeism due to illness and promoting workforce participation and productivity. Healthy populations are also more resilient to economic shocks and contribute to sustainable economic growth.
  8. Medical expenses can be a significant financial burden for individuals and families, leading to medical debt and even bankruptcy. Accessible healthcare, including affordable health insurance coverage and financial assistance programs, helps protect individuals from catastrophic healthcare costs, ensuring that healthcare remains accessible to all, regardless of financial means.

Healthcare is essential for promoting individual well-being, reducing health disparities, and building healthy, resilient communities. By prioritizing equitable access to healthcare services, societies can work towards achieving better health outcomes for all members and fostering a more just and compassionate world.

Housing and Infrastructure

Housing and infrastructure are fundamental pillars of society, playing vital roles in fostering economic development, promoting social well-being, and ensuring environmental sustainability. Here are several key reasons highlighting their importance:

  1. Access to safe and affordable housing is a basic human need. Adequate housing provides individuals and families with shelter, security, and stability, enabling them to lead healthy and productive lives. Infrastructure, including utilities such as water, electricity, and sanitation, is essential for maintaining livable and habitable spaces.
  2. Housing and infrastructure are central to the development and sustainability of communities. Well-planned infrastructure, including roads, public transportation, and utilities, facilitates connectivity and access to essential services. Thoughtfully designed housing developments contribute to the creation of vibrant and inclusive communities, fostering social cohesion and a sense of belonging among residents.
  3. Investment in housing and infrastructure stimulates economic growth and creates employment opportunities. Infrastructure projects, such as road construction and utility upgrades, generate jobs and support local industries. Additionally, access to quality housing attracts businesses and skilled workers, driving economic development and prosperity.
  4. Safe and well-maintained housing and infrastructure are crucial for protecting public health and safety. Proper sanitation systems, clean water supply, and waste management infrastructure help prevent the spread of diseases and environmental hazards. Additionally, well-designed housing with adequate ventilation and insulation contributes to improved indoor air quality and reduces the risk of respiratory illnesses.
  5. Robust infrastructure and resilient housing are essential for mitigating the impact of natural disasters and climate change-related events. Strong infrastructure, such as stormwater management systems and flood defenses, helps protect communities from flooding and other hazards. Building codes and regulations that ensure the structural integrity of housing can minimize damage during earthquakes, hurricanes, and other disasters.
  6. Sustainable housing and infrastructure design can contribute to environmental conservation and resource efficiency. Green building practices, such as energy-efficient construction materials and renewable energy systems, reduce carbon emissions and minimize environmental impact. Smart infrastructure solutions, such as green spaces and urban forests, enhance biodiversity and mitigate the urban heat island effect.
  7. Access to affordable housing and equitable infrastructure services is essential for promoting social justice and addressing inequalities. Investment in underserved communities, including affordable housing developments and infrastructure improvements in marginalized neighborhoods, helps bridge socioeconomic gaps and promote inclusive growth.

Housing and infrastructure are indispensable components of a thriving and sustainable society. By prioritizing investment in quality housing, resilient infrastructure, and equitable development, communities can create environments that support the well-being and prosperity of all residents while safeguarding the planet for future generations.