Let's Talk About Chesapeake's Future

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Protecting our environment and preserving our natural resources is and has always been a top priority of mine. As our city grows, we must concern ourselves with the quality of the air we breathe, the increased production of wastes, waste disposal options, animal habitats and our ecosystem.

We can all play a part in combating climate change by addressing the environmental factors contributing to the destruction of one of our most valuable resources. We must contain the destruction of trees and plant life which are so vital to our very existence and the existence of all life on this planet. Plant life is the first step in the food chain.

Recycling is an important part of preserving our natural resources. It takes up less space, decreases energy needs and allows each citizen to play an active role in conservation efforts. Convenient recycling options must be provided for ALL residents of this city and not just those who can afford it. We must be proactive in maintaining this beautiful city for ourselves and for future generations.

EDUCATION
As a former educator and school board member, education is near and dear to my heart. It is the cornerstone of our society and it is the foundation of Chesapeake. It is the main attraction for young families and for new businesses.

Chesapeake has an exemplary education system with students who are thriving in a multitude of measurable outcomes. We must be committed to the continued success of our students, which comes with a continuous and consistent stream of funding from our city. To attract and retain quality teachers, we must pay our teachers competitive salaries. The quality and commitment of our teachers is reflected in the outcome of our students and their future.

We must be on the cutting edge of advancements in technology and we must continue to provide opportunities for our students, in the classroom, to learn and utilize the most up-to-date technology available. We must continue to keep education at the top of the city's budget. Our children are our future and education is the key to their success.

MENTAL HEALTH
Good mental and physical health are essential to a productive and happy life. Good health is required to sustain a productive workforce, education system and functional society. As a physician and mental health professional, I am committed to the well-being and health of this community. We must focus on the escalating numbers of children, teens and adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression and other mental health and substance-dependence issues. Much of this has been exacerbated by the atrocities of COVID19.

Accessing care is difficult and there is an extreme shortage of mental health providers to meet the demand of the community. It is imperative that we expand options for mental health treatment and provide more screening opportunities in our schools and in our communities. This should be coupled with educational opportunities for families through city wide forums and mental health programs.

We must work together as a city to destigmatize mental health and to encourage screenings and treatment when appropriate.

CRIME PREVENTION
Violent crimes are rising across Hampton Roads and in Chesapeake the homicide rate has tripled since 2019. Our property crime rate is higher than the Virginia average. I am very concerned about the safety of our citizens and the integrity of this city.

It is imperative that we invest in law enforcement, after-school activities for all of our youth, and crime prevention programs, especially for those from low-income communities. We know that crime rates increase during adolescence and we know that involvement in meaningful after-school activities correlates with less deviant behavior.

We must continue to bring new business to Chesapeake to employ our youth who desire to work after school and on weekends. We must attract and screen for high-quality officers who are dedicated to the safety of Chesapeake citizens and who understand that we must work together to combat crime in our neighborhoods. They are on the frontlines and risk their lives every day to protect the citizens of this great city. Their compensation must be fair, equitable and commensurate to the important job they do and the service they provide.