CAMPAIGN FOCUS

Last but not least, it is very important for me to work in support of local agencies to keep opioids out of our community. We need to keep these drugs off our streets; they have plagued our part of the city for years, and it has to stop, because we are tired of losing those we love.

 

When we address shared community needs, like infrastructure, economy, housing, and education, we are also working to keep drugs off our streets.

 

How can improving our economy help this cause? When people have meaningful employment and businesses, they have purpose, financial stability, and a reason to stay engaged in positive activities rather than turning to drugs. A thriving local economy also means more resources are available within the community to support initiatives, including those aimed at prevention and recovery.

 

When we talk about improving Ward 5's infrastructure, we also focus on access to resources. Infrastructure directly impacts people's ability to access vital services. This includes mental health support, addiction treatment centers, job interviews, educational programs, and even healthy food options. Lack of access to these resources can lead to isolation, despair, and a higher likelihood of turning to drug use as a coping mechanism.

 

Housing assistance provides stability and safety. A lack of stable housing is a significant barrier to addiction recovery. It often pushes individuals into desperate situations where drug use can become a coping mechanism, as also mentioned in the infrastructure point. When people have a secure place to live, they can focus on their well-being, seek treatment, and rebuild their lives.

 

By prioritizing education in our ward, we are also talking about extending it beyond formal schooling to include vocational trades, life skills, and drug prevention education. A well-educated community is more resilient, better equipped to make informed choices, and less susceptible to the allure of substance use.

 

These points in my campaign service focus have a direct domino effect on this critical issue. Helping Ward 5 improve in all these points will have a positive impact on the opioid crisis. But I believe collaborating with experts and agencies, making sure we are providing them with support to do their jobs, can have a larger impact than trying to solve it on my own.

If elected Alderman, I'll focus on becoming a proactive collaborator to bring together key players and advocate for resources supporting the recovery and prevention of substance misuse. I want to maximize our collective impact to a more efficient, compassionate, and effective approach to public safety and well-being for all our residents, including those struggling with addiction, by:

 

1. Unifying Our First Responders and Community Partners

I want to contribute to making strong connections with the Manchester Fire, Police, and Health Departments, along with local recovery centers and other vital community partners. This isn't just about coordinating responses; our task force and experts are great at their job. For me, it's about continuing to facilitate an integrated network and ecosystem between us all. I want to do everything I can to help them get what they need to do their jobs. As a public servant, having healthy communication with these agencies is how we help them succeed.

 

2. Sustaining and Expanding Critical Care and Recovery Centers

We must keep the doors open, an expert workforce, and services in centers that provide critical care and support for long-term recovery for our communities. Closing these centers would compromise the success of those who need and want the help. Supporting and expanding these centers ensures these lifelines remain strong and accessible for those who need them most in Manchester.