On the Issues

This is by no means a comprehensive rundown of issues that matter to me. It all matters to me. This is a sampling of several key topics that are at the top of the list. I am in the process of reading the entire Planning and Development portion of Poulsbo’s Comprehensive Plan, and I stand by the vision that the document lays out for the future of our community.

Environment

How we care for the planet begins at home, and in our own communities. Poulsbo has plenty of room for improvement when it comes to environmental initiatives and sustainability. For example, why are there not recycling receptacles, along with trash cans, throughout downtown and waterfront park? Below are a few simple ideas aimed towards better sustainability practices:

• Partnering with an organization like TerraCycle to provide convenient drop locations for hard to recycle goods.

• Installing recycling bins throughout the historic downtown and city common spaces and parks.

• Force innovation towards biodegradable and compostable convenience goods by following the example of Kitsap County in banning single use plastic bags.

Social Equity and Justice

Simply put, there is so much work to do. I am ready to truly, fully LISTEN to the voices of those who have been marginalized, and acknowledge the damage that has been done, and cannot be undone, as a result of hundreds of years of implicit bias, systemic racism, bigotry, and oppression. To help facilitate this work in anti-bias education, I want to seek out experts in the field to teach workshops for both city officials and the community, on intersectional activism, how to unpack biases, and dismantle the oppressive systems that contribute to them. This conversation is too important, and too broad, for me to fairly tackle here, but please know how much it matters to me, and that I will not shirk from having it.

Economic Development

As a self-employed, creative entrepreneur who’s success depends upon people visiting Poulsbo, the economic health of our city is a top priority for me. I want to explore ways to incentivize the creative repurposing of unused commercial space, and attract innovative business concepts to Poulsbo. The Historic Downtown core will always be a focal point for investment, but I believe that Viking Avenue, the SR 305 Corridor, and the College Marketplace development all present extremely valuable opportunities for new businesses that provide goods and services to local residents and enhance our quality of life. I would like to see these investments in new businesses be made by local entrepreneurs, rather than large corporations and big box stores. We have some incredible examples of visionary local business leaders, and I’d like to see this trend continue.

Food trucks would be an amazing addition to Poulsbo! Thoughtfully siting such a venue is important, but with care, it could support new businesses and culinary creativity, without threatening existing brick and mortar restaurants. In many towns and cities, food trucks have been the launch pads from which full-service restaurants have sprung. The growth of the colleges in Poulsbo, and the desire to be a town where young people want to live and go to school, makes food trucks an intriguing way to reach an additional demographic.

Affordable Housing

I am continuing to educate myself on the ways in which other communities are innovating in the realm of affordable housing. As an innately creative and design-minded person, I believe that many problems can be solved by intentional design choices, from reducing crime to building higher-density affordable housing in mixed use areas. I’ve been following the development of the local family homes that were opened recently by Kitsap Homes of Compassion, and this concept excites me as one way of addressing the housing crisis we’re in.

Pedestrian Safety and Accessibility

I am deeply concerned by the increasing number of pedestrian injuries and deaths that have occurred on our streets in recent years. We cannot claim to be a town that supports diversity without providing safe and accessible sidewalks, crosswalks, and roads, for people of all ages and physical ability. I will fight to ensure that Poulsbo does everything in its power to address the existing weaknesses, while continuing to design enhanced pedestrian friendly right of ways for the future. I wholeheartedly support Poulsbo’s existing plans to expand the public trail networks, and I believe that greater access to the outdoors equals better health, longevity, and mental wellbeing.

Public Transit

I’ve been really encouraged by the continued growth of public transit options throughout Kitsap County, but I will keep advocating for additional offerings, including seven day a week bus service, and a dedicated Kitsap Transit app. A robust public transit system not only promotes greater inclusion and independence across a variety of demographics, and reduces traffic congestion by taking cars off the road, but with investment in all electric buses, it goes a long way towards reducing carbon emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.

The Virgil Fleet

I can’t be the only person in Poulsbo who dreams of a little mosquito fleet of Virgils, right? You know, the absurdly adorable mini tug boat that frequents the Port of Poulsbo marina and is the subject of many a tourist photo op. Okay so I’m (only sort of) joking, but if Virgil’s creator happens to read this, I have so many ideas! Feel free to drop me a line from the contact form on my homepage!