Platform

Neighborhood Opportunity Agenda

Why This Matters to Me
I know what it feels like when people count your neighborhood out. Too often, communities like ours are discussed only when problems arise instead of being recognized for their talent, resilience, and potential.
Every family deserves the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their ZIP code, race, or income.
The Problem
Some neighborhoods have experienced decades of underinvestment, limiting opportunities for homeownership, small business growth, workforce development, and economic mobility.
My Plan
I will:
• Expand pathways to homeownership
• Increase support for small and minority-owned businesses
• Improve workforce development and career training opportunities
• Expand access to higher education and vocational education
• Support violence prevention and youth development initiatives
• Advocate for targeted investments in historically underserved neighborhoods
Every neighborhood deserves the opportunity to thrive.

A Commitment to Mason Square

Why This Matters to Me
Mason Square has always been one of Springfield's cultural, economic, and historical anchors. It has produced educators, entrepreneurs, athletes, faith leaders, community advocates, and families who have helped shape our city for generations.

Growing up in Springfield, I witnessed both the strength and resilience of neighborhoods like Mason Square, as well as the consequences of years of disinvestment. Too often, communities like ours are discussed for their challenges rather than their potential. Yet anyone who knows Mason Square understands the talent, pride, history, and determination that exists here.

I believe every neighborhood deserves a representative who is visible, accessible, and committed to fighting for investment and opportunity. Mason Square deserves nothing less.

The Problem
For too long, Mason Square has not received the level of investment, attention, and advocacy it deserves.

Residents often feel disconnected from the government. Businesses struggle to access investment. Community organizations continue doing critical work with limited resources. Young people need more opportunities, more safe spaces, and stronger pathways to success.

At the same time, important neighborhood projects remain stalled, commercial corridors need revitalization, and Mason Square's rich cultural and historical significance remains underutilized as an economic and educational asset for Springfield and the region.

We cannot continue talking about Mason Square's potential without making meaningful investments to help it reach that potential.

My Plan
As your State Representative, I will:

• Reopen a district office in Mason Square, following the example of former State Representative Ben Swan, so residents have direct access to their representative and constituent services.

• Bring resources, grants, and investment back to Mason Square by supporting the churches, nonprofit organizations, youth programs, and community groups already doing the work our neighborhoods need.

• Work with private businesses, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and community stakeholders to develop a Mason Square Sports Complex that creates jobs, supports youth development, attracts visitors, and generates economic activity for local businesses.

• Champion the creation of the Underground Railroad & Black Heritage Museum of Springfield by helping move the project from discussion to reality through legislative support, strategic partnerships, and state investment.

• Promote the museum as a destination for cultural tourism, education, and economic development while highlighting Springfield's important role in African American history and the Underground Railroad.

• Advocate for investments in neighborhood infrastructure, public spaces, parks, streetscapes, beautification projects, and commercial corridors throughout Mason Square.

• Fight to ensure state resources are invested fairly in neighborhoods that have too often been overlooked.

When Mason Square succeeds, Springfield succeeds. My commitment is simple: be present, be accessible, and deliver real results for the people and organizations that have continued to believe in this community even when others have overlooked it.