Main Campaign Issues
Crime
According to the FBI crime reports, crime rates in the City of Flint have more than doubled between 2003 and 2006. Murder jumped from 28 in 2003 to 54 in 2006. Aggravated assaults jumped from 994 in 2003 to 2,246 in 2006. Reported rapes rose from 124 in 2003 to 143 in 2006. These are startling statistics, especially when in a three year period, it seems that virtually nothing has been done. Crime has been left to run rampant and the Flint Police Force fails to uphold the law. If elected to office, I will push to have more harsh punishments for those who break the law. I will hold the Flint police force responsible for failing to uphold the law. Officers who have been found to not perform to the new higher standard will be promptly replaced.
For individuals under the age of 18 that are charged and convicted of a crimes, I will make attending rehabilitation programs mandatory as well as participation in community service activities. For individuals over the age of 18 that are charged and convicted of a crime, rehabilitation programs will be assigned based on the type and severity of the conviction.
Education
Education is an issue that affects us all. In today’s highly competitive job market more and more emphasis is being put on hiring the most educated individuals. In Flint’s job market, having a college education, high school diploma, or even a GED is crucial to making yourself employable. It is becoming increasingly hard to obtain a job in Flint as the job market continues to wane. With so few available jobs available and over 34,000 unemployed people all applying to get the same jobs, the environment has turned to be a “survival of the fittest”, and whoever possesses the highest education, has more experience and the best skills, will get the job.
For our children, why set them up for failure? Our children are our future, the city’s future, and it is our duty and responsibility to provide the best education we have to offer and give them every opportunity there is to obtain a good education, right up through college. It is also our duty and responsibility to motivate the students that feel as if they cant get a head in school or in life. We must show them the true value of an education and the rewards possessing one brings. We must mentor and push our students to give their all in school and to do well not just so that they may obtain a good education, but so that they may have the satisfaction of knowing that they are on the path to life success and closer to fulfilling their hopes and dreams.
For our older adults who find it hard to obtain a good, well-paying job because they have no college education, high school diploma, or GED, I believe that anyone who is willing to do what it takes to better themselves, their life, or life for their families, deserve a second chance regardless of past circumstances. We must be willing to educate everyone who wholeheartedly wants an education or even more education. Nothing is more valuable than an educated mind. Why should we continue to deny them that education?
Current Initiatives
Student Scholarship Program Initiative #1
Student Scholarship Program Initiative #2
Youth Activism Recognition Program