As an elected leader for my community, it is my responsibility to be the voice for those who work and live in District D.  I take this honor seriously and I work to ensure that challenges are addressed and innovative solutions are implemented.  I also embrace the opportunity to share my experiences, core values and knowledge in bringing about positive change that will make the lives of my constituents better. I know that it is not only important to act on the current initiatives, but to also personally engage in them through community service.

Top initiatives that I will work to address and improve in District D include: Hazardous City infrastructure/Transportation, Public Safety and Law Enforcement, Disaster Preparedness, Quality of Life, Historic Preservation and the Environment.

Initiatives:

Your Advocate for Growth and Prosperity

Infrastructure:
Vacant and Abandoned Buildings are not only a danger to the citizens of the community, they also prevent areas from growing and prospering.  It is my duty to advocate for the demolition of such areas in District D and to see that businesses, community centers and neighborhoods benefit from the new opportunities that will result from this effort.

Transportation:
An efficient transportation system is an important element to an ever-changing community.  As your representative, I will work to ensure that District D is included in the City’s efforts to construct, maintain and operate a transportation system that includes road networking, mass transit and better traffic flow specific to the growth needs of this community.

Your Voice for a Safer Community

Police:
The safety of my community is top priority for me.  It is important that the citizens of District D feel safe and know that the City is working to reduce crime and promote awareness regarding crime prevention.  As District D’s representative, I will ensure that my community is included in the City’s plans to increase the number of classified police force members and hiring of civilian staff in FY2009.

An increase in aerial patrol presence and a more involved police presence in neighborhoods are also important initiatives on behalf the City in which District D will take priority.

Fire:
It is also my duty to ensure that the citizens of District D are provided with high quality fire protection, fire prevention and emergency medical services.  I will work to ensure that there is an adequate number of emergency vehicles as well as emergency staff available to citizens in need.

Disaster preparedness:
Disaster preparedness is also an important element to keeping the citizens of District D safe.  Hurricanes and flooding are far too frequent occurrences in our City for this community to go unprepared. In an effort to better prepare individuals and to help prevent the devastation that we have seen in the past, I will bring resources together to share information and provide steps for keeping people and homes as safe as possible. I will also advocate for better drainage systems to help eliminate flooding.

Your Defender of a Better Tomorrow

Quality of Life:
Every citizen deserves to be provided with the care, protection and resources necessary to enjoy a healthy, happy life – not only for themselves, but for his/her family.   As your representative, it is my duty to ensure that District D is host to quality healthcare facilities/information, recreational opportunities, expanded educational resources, environmentally friendly initiatives and beautiful, clean neighborhoods.

I will ensure that District D is a top priority in the City’s efforts to expand health services to include disease prevention, children’s health services and environmental monitoring.  Citizens will also benefit from the revitalization of neglected neighborhoods and the expansion of recreational opportunities.

My plan to help provide expanded library services to include state-of-the-art technology and materials will contribute to the success and growth of this community.

Environment:
An environmentally conscious community is a healthy community.  Encouraging ALL Houstonians to become more involved in environmental initiatives to include going green and recycling is an effort that is personally important to me.  I will work with the City to help provide the necessary tools to support these efforts.  Recycling programs in low performing neighborhoods, tree planting and wildflower seeding, tactics to promote efficient use of energy will not only promote beautification of our communities, these efforts will serve to protect our future.

Historic Preservation:
Houston’s oldest buildings and structures are what give our city character and along with its rich history and significant progress, make us proud to call Houston home.  It is important for us to preserve and protect our connection to our past, celebrate the present and inspire the future.  It is my duty to ensure that these efforts to preserve Houston’s historic landmarks are given special attention in District D.