Our approach to public safety goes beyond traditional policing models. With forty-four percent of people in jail reporting having at least one mental health condition and jails disproportionately impacting people of color, up to triple that of white people, we need different systems that don’t criminalize being a person of color, poor, unhoused, or mentally ill. By investing in community programs and services that address the root causes of crime and violence, such as mental health services, harm reduction services, affordable housing, and education, we can create safer and more resilient communities for all that do not rely on police.

Many policies crafted by our local government, including at a county-level, disproportionately burden our most vulnerable neighbors—particularly people of color and those living in poverty—with unintended, yet far-reaching consequences. For instance, where you live in Washtenaw County shouldn’t determine the quality of education or resources provided to you. By advocating and taking action, we can dismantle systemic inequalities embedded in these policies and pave the way for everyone to access the resources and opportunities essential for their flourishing.

Staying informed about what impacts and engages our community should not resemble piecing together a puzzle. When individuals are reduced to their basic instinct of surviving, the burden of doing anything beyond that becomes overwhelming and disproportionate. Constructing a brighter future necessitates collaboration and mutual accountability. Our community deserves a commissioner who is dedicated to ensuring both their own accountability and that of their fellow commissioners. Through joint efforts with community members, businesses, and organizations, we can foster positive change and cultivate resilient, thriving communities for all.

At the core of our commitment to 'Power to the People, No Delay' lies a fundamental shift in how we approach governance. We recognize the prevailing rhetoric of promises without action and pledge to break this cycle. Our vision is to enact progressive policies that resonate with your needs, not at some distant point in the future, but right now. We understand the importance of community engagement and believe your voice should be heard and valued in every decision. That's why we're dedicated to fostering direct participation in policymaking, ensuring your concerns and ideas are heard and actively incorporated into our plans. By forging partnerships with local labor, social justice, and public advocacy groups, we'll harness the collective power of our community to drive meaningful change. Together, we can dismantle outdated systems and build a future where every voice matters, and everyone can thrive.