Candidate Forum and Questionnaires

I received my Bachelor of Arts & Sciences from the University of Kentucky with a major in sociology and a minor in philosophy. I received my master's degree in public administration with a graduate-level certificate in interdisciplinary studies from Eastern Kentucky University

I am a respected community leader, a committed healthcare professional, and a passionate voice for the underserved marginalized communities in Lexington. Humility, integrity, and grace were instilled within me from day one by my grandmother Mary Ann Henderson, the first African American to graduate from the University of Kentucky. These values have led me to my calling which is public service. I received my Bachelor’s in Sociology with a minor in Philosophy and my Masters in Public Administration. Throughout my journey I have co-founded a nonprofit: Resilience Charity, and I serve Lexington as a healthcare professional in the Operating Room. Likewise, I've served as an Intern in the 1st District Council Office under Councilman James Brown, and I was a full-time Legislative Aide serving the 1st District. Simply put, I am well rooted in the 1st District and ready to collaboratively address our challenges head-on by drawing from my knowledge, experience, upbringing, and solid values.

The highest priority issue facing our district is community safety. We must address our community safety challenges head-on. If elected I will make sure that the quality of life and safety of our constituents is put at the forefront, ensuring that there is access to accessible leadership, information, and resources, while addressing each challenge. I will advocate for community violence intervention; investing in outreach activities programs and year-round resources tailored to the youth. I will provide an amplified presence of mental health resources. I will leverage funds to provide the district with traffic-calming infrastructure aiming to create safer streets and roads. No challenge is too big.

To protect the balance between urban growth and rural preservation we must rely on data-driven approaches and constituents' input. If elected I will be a strong advocate for responsible, equitable, and sustainable growth. I will advocate for investments in the 1st District ensuring that the needs of our constituents are not left behind during expansion. I will be guided by constituents' input and concerns and rely on factual data while also setting a clear vision for growth in Lexington. Lastly, I will work with all stakeholders and colleagues to create a process and guide for development in the expansion area ensuring that the expansion meets the city's needs and addresses the challenges Lexington faces.

I strongly believe constituents deserve accessible, reliable, safe, and affordable public transportation. Public transportation helps benefit air quality, provides access to vital services, and reduces traffic congestion. If elected I will advocate for Lextran to implement microtransit. Microtransit aims to improve public transportation by providing small-scale, on-demand public transit services that offer fixed and flexible routes and on-demand scheduling. Likewise, I will support Lextran, with an aim to set and meet goals for amplifying their services throughout the 1st district and city. Lastly, I will make sure the constituents are informed regarding updates, changes, and other initiatives tied to transportation services.

We must address our community violence challenge head-on through innovative problem-solving. This can be done by working with constituents, city departments, and other partners while also leveraging city funding to tackle the community violence challenge. If elected, I will research and advocate for community violence intervention programs, seeking to provide wrap-around services to those who experience community violence. I will work with ONE Lexington to connect youth to resources year-round including trauma-informed systems, mental health support, and mentorships, that meet the youth where they are. No challenge is too big if we tackle it head-on together.

There is a connection between the lack of affordable housing and the challenges undervalued communities face. This issue is a priority and must be addressed simply because it creates other pertinent challenges. If elected I will be a strong advocate for the creation of affordable housing aiming to leverage funding to increase the affordable housing fund. My office will inform residents about housing initiatives aimed at unifying and informing stakeholders regarding the trend of affordable housing in Lexington. I will be a strong advocate for constituents impacted by the housing crisis committed to providing information and resources tailored to their needs and creating more opportunities to enhance the city's current resources.

I strongly believe constituents' voices and concerns should be the driving force for decision-making in local government. As Councilmembers, we must make sure constituents are informed about what's taking place and receive the opportunity to give input. If elected, I will be an accessible leader who is attentive, responsive, and willing to share information timely. I will ensure all 1st district constituent's concerns are heard and relayed through the correct city channels when needed. I will host regular update forums, use social media, provide newsletters, and communicate relevant issues timely to the 1st district constituents. Likewise, I will have multiple avenues of communication so that constituents can have access to my office.

Yes, I fully support the recommendations of the Mayor’s Commission for Racial Justice & Equality. The main factor to consider when evaluating this topic is the identification of barriers in place, once these barriers are identified we must work to eliminate them. If elected, I will advocate to fully fund and implement all initiatives and programs recommended by the Commission. I also will seek to amplify and expand the existing initiatives. I strongly believe it is important that constituents are informed regarding the status and implementation of the commission's recommendations. I commit to keeping the 1st district informed while also making sure there is an ample amount of resources available for constituents.

I strongly believe as a community we need to stop thinking that homelessness is an impossible

challenge to solve. If elected, I will address our city's unhoused challenge head-on! To support those experiencing homelessness, I will advocate to leverage funding for a supportive housing facility. I will work closely with the Office of Homelessness Prevention and Intervention, community partners, local non-profits, and agencies to provide necessary wrap-around services and resources. I oppose House Bill 5 as it fails to address the root causes of issues like poverty and homelessness. A better approach would be focusing on preventative measures and amplifying resources in much needed communities.

I do support the tenants' Bill of Rights and I understand concerns from all stakeholders. I believe the enforcement piece remains a challenge, as does the state's preemption of local laws. Moving forward, we must invest in innovative solutions bringing all stakeholders together to find ways to address the underlying challenges and concerns. If elected I will work to initiate innovative solutions such as establishing financial literacy programs, improving access to homeownership opportunities, creating programs that work to address both tenants and landlords concerns, and establishing a grant program for housing repairs. I will advocate for tenant representation on relevant boards and commissions and a landlord registry. We must build relationships between tenants and landlords.

When it comes to technology use we must pursue solutions proven to help and not overpolice our communities or infringe upon rights. Throughout the last year, I have spoken with many seniors from our historic African American neighborhoods regarding their support for tools like flock cameras and an emphasis on wanting increased safety measures. Likewise, I've spoken to many individuals about valid concerns tied to privacy. If elected, I will set a clear equitable vision for the 1st District while making sure all constituent's rights are protected. I will advocate for the police department to focus on building community relationships rather than sole reliance on technology. Likewise, I will advocate for equal camera distribution across our city and review and update policies as needed.

Yes, encouraging alternative transportation should be a priority. First and foremost this requires the need for safe streets and roads, adequate infrastructure, and making sure that our partners like Lextran can meet the capacity to serve all areas of our city. If elected I will leverage funding and install traffic-calming infrastructure to make the 1st District streets and roads safer, I will support the micro-transit expansion, and address challenges like the lack of sidewalks and gaps in our trail network. Our constituents who use public transportation, walk, or who are bicyclists deserve to be able to use alternative modes of traveling without having safety concerns.

When prioritizing the city budget I believe we must invest in the needs of constituents while also

addressing our city-wide challenges. I support the priorities outlined in KFTC’s Lexington People’s Budget which includes investing in affordable housing, homelessness prevention, community violence prevention, public transportation, sustainable infrastructure, and energy efficiency. If elected I will leverage funding to directly invest in constituents' needs, resources, and solutions and initiatives to tackle city-wide challenges.

I strongly believe constituents' voices and concerns are the driving force when decisions are being made in local government. We must make sure all constituents are informed about what's taking place and receive input. If elected I will ensure all 1st District constituent's concerns are heard. I will host regular update forums, use social media and newsletters, and make sure to communicate relevant issues timely to the 1st District constituents. Likewise, I will provide multiple avenues of communication so that constituents can have access to myself and staff.

The city should continue to invest in testing, protective equipment, healthcare programs and provide accurate COVID information. We must make sure that frontline workers and high-risk groups have the protection needed. Likewise we must invest in preventive healthcare and advocacy for healthy workplace practices. If elected I will make sure all 1st District constituents have access to needed information and resources.

 We must address our community violence challenge head-on through innovative problem-solving. If elected I will make sure that the quality of life and safety of our youth is put at the forefront ensuring that youth have access to community resources, mental health, and the necessities to live and grow in the 1st District. I will Research and advocate for Community Violence intervention within our communities. I will Advocate to expand community centers' operating hours while also investing in outreach activities and programs tailored to the community being served and the interests of the children and youth. Also, I will work to connect youth to resources year-round, which means meeting the youth and children where they are and making sure stakeholders are culturally informed.

 I will advocate for policies protecting Trans Lexingtonians from discrimination and ensure access to necessary healthcare. All people deserve to live freely and access services without fear of discrimination. I vow to advocate for Trans Lexingtonians while emphasizing the fact that there is no room for division, hate, or bigotry in our city!