Preserving our Parks for Everyone
Workforce and Core Union Values
MPRB is a large employer with nearly two thousand workers who deserve a commissioner who will lead with core union values. These values include the parks board being the employer of choice, quality work and labor-management relationship being the standard for all. The key to these values are quality work and an inclusive, welcoming work environment.
Environment
District 1 is the entire east side of the Mississippi River- the Above the Falls Plan and River First Plan need to be fully actualized while the old Industrial pieces of the river need to be cleaned up and made accessible.
I served on the Above the Falls Community Advisory Committee (AFCAC) for many years eventually becoming a co-chair. AFCAC needs to be revived. Serious and tangible moves need to be made to combat climate change with community and intergovernmental partners. All of our energy and efforts need to be employed, with every resource available to address the many ways our changing climate is impacting our parks. As a member of MPRB, I will work to be sure that these efforts are in relationship with the leaders across government and our community.
We also have to be clear in what we can solve at the local governance level and what is a much bigger picture. When our changing climate impacts homeowners such as Ash Trees with Emerald Ash Borer we need to have a more collaborative approach to address the cost and impact of removing these trees.
Public Safety
Our parks have to be a safe third space for EVERYONE. This starts with having a highly accountable Park Police. As a highly experienced and successful union professional with skills in all core union functions, I will bring a unique skillset to to the work of public safety and police accountability. I will work with all of my energy to end excessive force and explicit bias against our more marginalized neighbors. It will be known that excessive force and explicit bias will not be tolerated by our park police, and if it happens there will be consequences. We have many community oriented ways to make sure our most vulnerable and marginalized are truly safe in our parks and programming.
Programming
Parks and Recreation need to have programming that fits all ages, abilities and identities- I believe the full service community schools model needs to be enhanced at every opportunity. We must build on the movement to swimming lessons and lifeguards, far too many of our neighbors do not have access to swimming and water safety.