May 2021 Update
Good morning Springfield!
I have been hard at work meeting with residents, business owners, non-profits, and civic associations. These meetings help inform my campaign on the issues that matter to Springfield voters most.
On April 26th I met with Rob Thomas, a volunteer at RAD Springfield, located on Worthington Street in Metro Center. I toured their space and learned about the hard work that RAD Springfield does to promote biking in Springfield. Along with performing bicycle repairs, they work tirelessly to provide bicycles to youth in need.
On May 3rd I met with former Springfield City Councilor Tim Rooke and partner Tom Rooke at the site of their marijuana dispensary, Botanica Farms, on Page Boulevard in East Springfield. They provided great insight on the state of the marijuana industry, and the challenges business owners face. I am a supporter of this industry, and when elected, I will seek to remove unnecessary barriers for potential new businesses.
On May 4th I drove downtown to visit Granny’s Baking Table, located on Bridge Street, to introduce myself to Ms. Sonya Yelder. Make sure to stop by for lunch, and if you can make it in the morning, they have amazing beignets! I enjoyed the opportunity to discuss ways to grow foot and vehicle traffic on the the side streets off Main Street that many businesses occupy.
On May 6th I was able to take a break from work to support the Indian Orchard Citizens Council clean up event. We picked up garbage on two streets that looked so much better after we were done - great job I.O.C.C. and thank you again!
From May 7th - May 13th, I took my first, much needed breather from the campaign trail and visited my family in Florida. It was wonderful to see my parents and we were able to celebrate both Mother’s Day and my fathers’ 72nd birthday. Thank you to the moms and dads making a difference in the lives of their children!
May 15th was a very special day for the campaign - my first day of campaign door knocking began. It was only fitting that I started on Forest Hills Road in Sixteen Acres in Ward 7, where I call home.
On May 16th, I supported the 7th Annual Celebrate Kate 5K event at Nathan Bills in East Forest Park. The event honors the life of Kathryn Mauke, a SABIS International Charter School student who was a victim of domestic violence. I am always honored to take part, and to be reminded of Kate’s enduring legacy.
Finally, on May 20th, I attended the AQCA (Armory Quadrangle Civic Association) Meeting, where I was introduced to Re-Green Springfield, and other individuals and organizations working to ensure Springfield invests in urban forestry. The percentages of tree canopies in our neighborhoods were eye opening. As a City Councilor I will support projects to add trees to our urban neighborhoods.
As of this writing, the deadline to pull nomination papers for Springfield City Council has passed. We won’t know the final number of candidates for a few weeks, but the race promises to be a strenuous one. I will work every day to earn the votes of Springfield’s residents. To do so, I need your financial support. Please join me on Thursday, June 10th at Palate Latin Cuisine at 5:30 PM for a campaign fundraiser! Click here to RSVP. If you can’t make the event, please consider making a contribution by clicking here. Thank you!
