Making Bowling Green a Great Place for Everyone
Having been a BGSU student and a young graduate looking for housing, I know the state of our rental housing first hand. The rental registration and self-inspection requirement was a first step. We need to evaluate the success of the program. My goal is safe, well-maintained homes, not just paperwork compliance. We also need more diversity of affordable housing options to meet the needs of people at all ages and stages of life.
With two kids, I have spent many hours at our parks and playgrounds. I am grateful for the work of Wood County Plays at Carter Park, and now our other playgrounds at Ridge Park and City Park need to be improved as well. Updated equipment at both parks and additional shade structures at Ridge and Carter Parks will improve the experience for children and caregivers.
The City Council recently adopted the Climate Action and Resiliency Improvement Plan (CARIP). The projects in the plan won’t only reduce air polluting greenhouse gases, they will also improve stormwater management and increase greenspaces. As the City plans to update regulations for subdivisions, I want to make sure these ideas are incorporated there and across the city into the future.
Sustainability is not only about the natural environment. It also includes the built environment and economic development. I am dedicated to making sure we are planning for the future and growing in a way we can afford to maintain while also meeting resident’s needs.
Sustainability
Infrastructure
As the parent of a child who uses a wheelchair, I know how unsafe and inaccessible our sidewalks and streets can be. I also live near Crim Elementary School where painted crosswalks are either absent or faded. I am happy to see the City has been awarded Safe Routes to Schools grants. I believe there is more we could be doing to protect pedestrians, bike riders, and drivers. Painted crosswalks near schools and other highly traveled intersections should be a priority.
When I began attending City Council meetings over seven years ago, it was difficult to understand what was being discussed. Draft legislation was not available online nor was it often described at the meetings. I believe it should be easy for residents to understand the work of the City and Council. Along with others, I pushed to have draft legislation available online before its introduction rather than after it was passed.
Meaningful community engagement means meeting with residents during the decision making process, not after. I am committed to holding quarterly constituent feedback meetings and being available by phone and email. I will also push the City Administration to incorporate opportunities for community input before they have finalized a project.
Transparency and Community Engagement
