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

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. 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.

Building on my work as chair of the City Council’s Committee on Downtown Development, I will continue to aggressively explore options to expand Quincy’s commercial tax base.

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

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.

In an effort to increase the voice and engagement of residents in these projects, I will propose the creation of ad-hoc Neighborhood Advisory Committees. These committees have the potential to empower neighborhoods, giving local residents directly impacted by these projects a voice in what is happening in their community.

TACKLING TRAFFIC IN QUINCY

Our traffic 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. I have participated in countless community meetings on the upcoming MBTA projects. 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 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.

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.

I will continue to be a strong voice on the council when presented with new projects, to engage developers in helping to maintain our vibrant culture and support new initiatives in dealing with the challenges we face. Smart development means looking not just at the buildings constructed, but at the city as a whole, and how a new project improves our city for everyone.