Issues

A stronger local economy means fewer residents turning to crime. Removing the barriers of economic uncertainty help to create residential investment in the community. Community investment leads to cleaner, safer, happier neighborhoods and a culture of trust. Let’s invest in sustainable and "future looking" jobs and expand training programs to keep our community safe and thriving. 

At any moment, our entire lives can change and one minute can feel like an eternity. Statistics show that violent and property crime in Hyattsville is higher than national averages. Statistically speaking, each resident has a 1 in 18 change of becoming a victim. Cities within Prince George's County can rely on county law enforcement. Hyattsville has determined that having our own police will ensure adequate services for our residents. As a city councilman, I intend to advocate for well-trained, well equipped first responders. I intend to advocate for greater collaboration and communication between city, county, park and metro police. I intend to advocate for mental health resources to 1) Respond with first responders when appropriate, 2) Provide services to first responders after "stressful" engagements, and 3) Support our residents who may have been victims of a crime or fatal incident.

Technology can be a multiplier when used effectively. It can be used to help during crisis situations, translate languages, ensure effective usage of city utilities, ensure mass communication or help solve crimes. Let's identify lawful and ethical means of supporting our community. I plan to advocate for safe, smart measures to implement around the city and surrounding parks, trails and mass transit areas. This requires close collaboration with the metro police, park police, and police in surrounding cities. Collaboration is my strong point. Where appropriate, I intend to advocate for call boxes and location markers on the trails; smart timed lights near the metro that turn on for a few minutes when pressed; apps and online systems to report city outages; app and devices-based communication and translation services, AI enabled intake forms that allow city representatives to immediately produce a written transcript of conversations input into forms. 

I plan to continue to support events dedicated towards connecting our community and enhancing the residents' investment in the city.

Safety is more than just crime solving and prevention. Safety includes crossing the street, walking home, and a resident's living conditions. I plan to advocate for greater visibility at crosswalks to include flashing lights, traffic calming near Nicholson and Hamilton streets, support and assistance programs for residents without heat or water during critical times, speed control solutions in residential areas. In terms of dignity, I plan to support a culture where every resident can report an issue, regardless of immigration status. Additionally, plan to ensure every resident is valued regardless of income category. In terms of accessibility, supporting those who require additional help is very near and dear to me. I intend to advocate for and establishment of Hyattsville's very first accessibility advisory body. This means the creation of a committee, board or council with the intent of informing the design and execution of all Hyattsville operations with accessibility in mind. 

Economic Development, Economic Sustainability, Economic Superiority, and Economic Responsibility

My economic vision leverages Ward 5 as the crown jewel and the beacon of success for Hyattsville. I plan to advocate for responsible and resident informed development of Ward 5. The specific lines of effort include, supporting the green alley project for Hamilton Street, ensuring the retail spaces of the next Riverfront meets the community's needs, supporting grants and tax credits for small businesses where appropriate, refurbishing the Hamilton Street stores, investing in financial literacy for Hyattsville Residents, generating a surplus on the budget, truly affordable housing, and fiscal transparency. With the metro nearby, I plan on making ward 5 a destination location and much more. The goal is to keep the money in Hyattsville and keep our taxes down.