It's about the community...
It is about listening and addressing the community's needs, it's about supporting the community's growth, and it is about improving the quality of life of those in the community.
Quality education and youth service programs
As the son of a Detroit public school teacher, I value the opportunities that education has given me. I believe that providing a high-quality, equitable education to our children not only makes sense, but it's also simply the right thing to do. It's critical that children across Michigan, especially those in District 10, have access to a high-quality school option in their neighborhood regardless of their socio-economic background. Fundamentally, this means ensuring that the schools have the resources to prepare our children to succeed in the 21st century.
I understand that we must take a holistic approach to supporting our young people as they grow. Students need access to high-quality services that care for their social, emotional, and physical health as well. Of course, the government cannot be reasonably expected to serve this need alone, which is why I will work across the public and private sectors, in collaboration with leaders already doing work in our communities, to strengthen the web of support for children. We need to ensure that organizations serving our youth -- from nonprofits to entire school systems -- have the necessary resources to provide youth with the proper stability to help them have a successful transition into adulthood.
Lastly, in our effort to educate the future leaders, we should be considerate of the hardships that many parents face in their efforts to provide a high-quality life for their children. Which is why I am a strong advocate for organizations that empower parents to be their best selves.
High-quality job growth and economic development
I recognize the importance of high-quality jobs and economic vitality of a region. The region has experienced an exciting economic recovery since the 2008 downturn, but we must remain mindful that many citizens have not yet realized the benefits of this recovery. Specifically, I am excited about the economic revitalization of Detroit, which has been concentrated in Detroit's downtown and midtown core. Going forward, we must build on this momentum to bolster existing businesses working hard to provide goods and services to their communities. I will continue to work tirelessly, in collaboration with business leaders at all levels, to ensure all of the citizens of my district have access to high-quality jobs.
Effective public transit for metropolitan Detroit
I believe that transportation is more than just getting around. It means holding down a job, getting there on time, and accessing resources that are otherwise out of reach. Public transportation also brings people together. We all know that the benefits of public transportation systems are numerous. The freedom to find a job a little further away, attend a better school, and shop at a grocery store is essential. Detroit and its closest neighbors, including Grosse Pointe, have fallen behind in the investment required to modernize the roads and support public transit options. In order to compete against other top-tier cities, the Detroit region needs a comprehensive, inclusive, and cost-effective public transit system.