It’s safe to say that I am unlike any other councilor. But who I am gives me a unique and important perspective. I am a millennial. I am an Asian-American woman. I am a Quincy native. I’ve worked in a family-owned local business.

All of these things allow me to find the common ground that can unify our city. I want to continue to work with you, the residents of Quincy, to bridge the divide between where we are and where we can be, providing opportunities for everyone in our community to live, raise their families and be a part of this great city.

EASING THE TAX BURDEN ON RESIDENTS

Our city is growing, and with that is an increasing burden on residential taxpayers. As developments break ground in every corner of Quincy, it isn’t right that many of our neighbors find it difficult to afford to live here. We need to implement effective policies that will shift the burden to ensure that not just residents are carrying the weight. 

Currently your home is taxed at the same rate as corporate-owned, multi-story, hundred-unit apartment complexes.

I will work to pass a residential tax exemption that will provide relief for the homeowners of Quincy, and make corporations pay their fair share.

DEMANDING SMARTER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Commercial development means new revenue to pay for our schools, police and fire departments, streets, libraries and other essential services.

However, sustainable development in Quincy means ensuring balance between residential and commercial growth.

We’ve seen significant growth over the last year, but 90 percent is attributed to residential development. While it’s important to encourage more housing options, we also must be mindful of preserving the integrity of our neighborhoods. If we balance that growth by increasing our commercial base, the resulting tax relief and sustainable job creation will help to ensure everyone who lives in Quincy can afford to stay here.

This term, I worked to help our small business community by writing the law finally allowing gas stations to sell convenience foods. Building on my work of the past two terms, I will continue to aggressively explore options to expand Quincy’s commercial tax base. 

GIVING YOU A VOICE IN DEVELOPMENT

In my first term, I introduced and worked to pass an important amendment governing the oversight of our downtown development. Prior to my amendment, the city would enter into special deals with developers when taking public land called LDAs. These LDAs were not subject to any oversight by the City Council.

My amendment changed that. Now, before any public land is taken for private development projects, proposed LDAs must be presented and approved by the council. This important step means greater transparency in our city government and accountability to the residents. 

We are seeing development of all kinds across the entire city. And while we encourage development and smart growth, these projects can also be cause for concern for the residents of the neighborhoods they affect.

This progress has been made on a project-focused basis, without looking at the bigger picture within our city. The examination of our zoning laws is long past due.   

I am committed to working with my colleagues in a comprehensive review of our zoning laws, with feedback from both businesses and residents so that we can have a cohesive vision for our city in place that protects our neighborhoods, encourages investment and promotes quality economic development.

TACKLING TRAFFIC IN QUINCY

Our transportation problems consist of: congestion, parking, pedestrian safety and improvements in public transportation. I will work with residents across the city to address the specific issues facing each neighborhood. 

I am proud of my collaboration with Quincycles to advocate for alternative means of transportation. When the MBTA wouldn’t communicate, I demanded they provide in-depth updates to the city and our residents, and got them. These projects are necessary to our public transportation infrastructure, but more thoughtful planning is needed to ensure that Quincy is not paralyzed by their impact. I will continue to hold the MBTA’s feet to the fire on meeting the needs of our residents. 

In my first term on the council, I supported the creation of the Traffic, Parking, Alarm and Lighting Department (TPAL). Like many residents, I expect a lot from this new department, and TPAL must do more to address this growing problem.

I will continue to work to serve as a bridge between the needs of our residents and TPAL ensuring that City Hall is getting the job done.

SUPPORTING A VIBRANT LIFE FOR ALL OF QUINCY

Quincy has rich and vibrant neighborhoods that build a sense of community through its many events and celebrations - from Porchfest to the August Moon Festival, from our Flag Day to Chowdafest. This is one of the many reasons people come to Quincy and choose to call it home. 

As our city grows and changes, we must be diligent in our efforts.  Our government must not only reflect our community, but have an appreciation of the past, a focus on today and an eye toward the future.  

Supporting seniors, I helped to restart a defunct tenant association at one of the city’s senior homes, and have continued to advocate for their work.

This term, I spearheaded the creation of the city’s first LGBTQ commission and with my fellow councilors, I sponsored the effort to reinstate the Disability Commission.

We also need to ensure that our government does not forget its first priority- serving the people of Quincy.    

Our city also faces many challenges, from repairing an aging infrastructure, to improving our schools, and helping those impacted by the opioid epidemic. We must meet these challenges head on and find effective solutions, and I am working to find those answers every day.

I will continue to fight for you and for a brighter future for all of Quincy because this is our city, our future and I am proud to be your voice.