Homelessness and Mental Health
I will tackle homelessness in SOKC. It's an issue all leaders in Oklahoma should be seeking a solution for. Since the Pandemic, SOKC has seen an increase in disparities, homelessness and mental health, and I'll work with community partners - non-profits, local churches, state and city leaders to find support and opportunity for those who need it most. It's estimated we have nearly 1,800, if not more, individuals needing assistance in OKC alone. Often times, getting a driver's license and other required documents prevent those from obtaining gainful employment. When we offer individuals the basic needs of documents, food, healthcare, mental health and any and all other basic needs they require first it phelps build a firm foundation to build on and transition to affordable housing.
MAPS
I'm a supporter of MAPS, it was one of the first city wide initiatives I voted for many years ago and believe OKC is better for all the planning, but we can do better with the information we have. When we talk about building a new arena or renovating an old, or our fairgrounds coliseum, or museum, are we truly planning for all and all who attend? I'll be a strong advocate for inclusion and barrier free buildings that go above and beyond the bare minimum standards. We didn't become a large city overnight. We've grown because leaders several decades before us had a vision for OKC. There's work I see that needs done on past MAPS projects that need to be addressed before others should have our consideration. If we're not planning for all, we're not planning.
Parks
Parks are for everyone!
I'm a mom of three boys and our family loves visiting new parks in Oklahoma City and we frequent the 5 parks in Ward 5 often. Unfortunately, Taylor Park, the park just blocks from our home is inaccessible to our family and so many more who require assistive devices. When we build new parks or spend money to update old, our parks should be barrier free, clean and accessible to all. I'll work hard to build a better OKC that is more accessible and inclusive to promote equal participation. It takes a collaborative effort of many passionate individuals coming around a table with the best interest of all in mind. Many of our elderly and citizens with disabilities are isolated for lack of access and it's preventable with the information we have.
Our city parks, sidewalks, bike lanes and transportation - access for all matters!
Accessibility
Access OKC!
South OKC streets, our sidewalks and crosswalks, our bike lanes and public transit... They all need improvement and I'll make it my top priority that SOKC be safe, clean and accessible. Our public transportation needs to be expanded to serve more citizens in SOKC. I'll work to find a solution to put an end to OKC citizens feeling isolated at home for lack of transportation.
Planning
Building for all and our future!
The first day our $288 Oklahoma City Convention Center opened it had a barrier to access. Our city leaders are working hard to remove all barriers and I'll make sure ALL known barriers are removed when planning our future. OKC will go above and beyond the bare minimum standards to ensure all who live and visit here are planned for.
First Responders
I support our first responders! Our fire, police, paramedics and EMTs . Oklahoma City employees and our dedicated first responders must be well supported, and trauma informed too. They should be trained in equity, and disability etiquette and awareness. I believe when we take the time to learn about one another and our differences and at times disparities and struggles, we can work together better and be more productive with our time, money and energy.