Democracy

The Berkeley City Council has been addressing major community issues like affordable housing, services and programs for our unhoused community, small business support, as well as racial and economic equity. But too often, policy decisions fail to represent and incorporate broad public opinion. From my experience speaking with neighbors and community members, it is a common experience of Berkeley residents to feel ignored by Councilmembers even after sending emails or attending long Council meetings to make a public comment.

Lawmakers, including the Berkeley Council, are mandated to represent constituents and their concerns. When lawmakers ignore their constituents, it breeds distrust in our democratic government resulting in apathy and disengagement. Therefore, if elected, I want to strengthen democracy in Berkeley by
1. Scheduling open office hours
2. Responding to emails
3. Making policy decisions based on public opinion
4. Scheduling community meetings to collaborate and discuss issues and concerns