Platform
A Vision for Springfield
My story is proof that where you start does not determine where you finish.
I have experienced poverty, homelessness, and incarceration. I have also experienced the power of mentorship, education, and community. Those experiences shaped who I am today: a teacher, a father, a mentor, and an advocate for Springfield.
I am running because I believe every neighborhood deserves investment, every child deserves opportunity, every worker deserves respect, and every family deserves a representative who will fight for them.
Together, we can build a Springfield where every neighborhood has the opportunity to thrive.
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.
Government Accountability & Community Investment
Putting neighborhoods before politics and people before special interests.
Why This Matters to Me
Growing up in Springfield, I saw firsthand how neighborhoods can be overlooked while families struggle to make ends meet. Too often, working families, seniors, small businesses, and homeowners are asked to shoulder the burden while those with the greatest resources find ways to avoid contributing their fair share.
Government should work for the people, not special interests.
As someone who has experienced poverty, homelessness, and adversity firsthand, I believe elected officials have a responsibility to fight for the communities they represent, show up when it matters, and deliver real results that improve people's lives.
The Problem
Too many residents feel disconnected from government and frustrated by the lack of progress on the issues that affect their daily lives.
At the same time, neighborhoods need investments in housing, schools, infrastructure, public safety, economic development, and community programs. Yet large tax-exempt institutions and multinational corporations often avoid contributing their fair share toward the services and communities they benefit from.
Meanwhile, homeowners, renters, seniors, and working families continue to bear the burden.
Working people should not have to pay more because powerful interests are paying less.
My Plan
I will:
• Support House Bill H.3264 and Senate Bill S.2016, the PILOT legislation championed by State Representative Aaron Saunders and State Senator Adam Gomez, to ensure large tax-exempt institutions contribute fairly to the communities where they own significant property and benefit from local services.
• Support House Bill H.3110, An Act Combating Offshore Tax Avoidance, filed by State Representative Carlos González of Springfield, to prevent multinational corporations from shifting profits overseas to avoid paying taxes while continuing to profit from Massachusetts workers, consumers, infrastructure, and public investments.
• Fight to ensure revenue generated from these reforms is reinvested into Springfield neighborhoods through housing, education, workforce development, public safety, infrastructure improvements, youth programs, senior services, and community development initiatives.
• Maintain a visible and accessible presence throughout the district while providing strong constituent services.
• Work across communities, labor unions, nonprofit organizations, faith leaders, neighborhood groups, and local stakeholders to deliver results.
• Increase transparency and accountability in state government.
• Put neighborhood priorities ahead of politics and special interests.
My Vision
I believe government should reward hard work, support local communities, and ensure everyone plays by the same rules.
Before asking working families, seniors, and homeowners to pay more, we should make sure wealthy institutions and multinational corporations are paying their fair share.
That's why I support the PILOT legislation and efforts to combat offshore tax avoidance. These policies are about fairness. They are about ensuring that the institutions and corporations benefiting from our communities contribute to the future of those communities.
When everyone contributes fairly, we can invest in our schools, strengthen our neighborhoods, support our seniors, create opportunities for young people, revitalize communities like Mason Square, and build a stronger Springfield for future generations.
Government should be accountable to the people it serves, and the resources generated in our communities should be reinvested back into the neighborhoods that need them most.
Housing and Affordability
Making Springfield a place where working families can build a future.
Why This Matters to Me
I know what housing insecurity looks like. There were times growing up when I didn't know where I would sleep. I've slept in apartment hallways and even cars just to stay warm. Those experiences taught me that stable housing isn't just about having a roof over your head, it's about dignity, security, and opportunity.
Today, too many Springfield families are facing that same uncertainty.
The Problem
Families across the 11th Hampden District are being squeezed by rising rents, increasing property taxes, higher utility bills, and the growing cost of everyday necessities. Homeownership is becoming more difficult to achieve, while many longtime residents worry about being priced out of the neighborhoods they helped build.
My Plan
As your State Representative, I will:
• Expand first-time homebuyer programs that help Springfield families build generational wealth.
• Increase affordable housing development that prioritizes local residents instead of outside investors.
• Hold absentee landlords accountable for neglected and unsafe properties that weaken neighborhoods.
• Strengthen tenant protections and improve housing accountability.
• Fight utility rate hikes and support stronger consumer protections.
• Expand energy affordability programs and rebates during extreme New England winters.
• Provide meaningful relief for seniors and working families struggling with rising housing and utility costs.
• Champion policies that lower the overall cost of living for working families.
Springfield should be a city where working people can afford to live, raise their families, and retire with dignity.
Violence Prevention & Quality of Life
Creating safer neighborhoods through opportunity and investment.
As a young person growing up, I saw firsthand how easily young people can be pulled into violence, crime, and hopelessness. Mentors, coaches, teachers, and community leaders helped change the direction of my life. Today, I try to provide that same guidance to my students and the young people I mentor.
The Problem
Too many young people lack access to jobs, mentorship, safe recreational spaces, and positive opportunities. At the same time, many neighborhoods continue to struggle with deteriorating infrastructure, neglected public spaces, and quality-of-life concerns.
My Plan
I will:
• Expand youth jobs and workforce development programs
• Increase support for after-school and summer programs
• Invest in mentorship and violence prevention initiatives
• Improve parks, playgrounds, sidewalks, and neighborhood infrastructure
• Support community-based organizations working directly with at-risk youth
• Ensure every neighborhood receives the attention and investment it deserves
Public safety begins with opportunity.
Labor & Workers Rights
Standing with the workers who make our communities run.
Why This Matters to Me
As a teacher and union representative, I know what it means to advocate for workers. Strong unions built the middle class, and workers deserve a voice in the decisions that impact their lives and livelihoods.
The Problem
Workers continue to face rising costs of living while many struggle to keep up with inflation. Teachers and public employees often lack the same protections afforded to workers in other sectors.
My Plan
I will:
• Support legislation legalizing the right of teachers to strike in Massachusetts
• Stand with organized labor and collective bargaining rights
• Support prevailing wage protections
• Expand apprenticeship and workforce training opportunities
• Advocate for workplace safety and fair wages
• Build coalitions that strengthen worker protections throughout the Commonwealth
When workers succeed, Springfield succeeds.
Education & Young People
Creating pathways to success for every child.
Why This Matters to Me
School wasn't always easy for me. Like many young people, I faced challenges at home that often distracted me from academics. Today, as a public school teacher and father of two daughters, I understand the importance of creating schools that support the whole child.
The Problem
Students face academic, social, and emotional challenges while many school buildings continue to age and deteriorate. Too many young people lack access to career pathways and opportunities that prepare them for success after graduation.
My Plan
I will:
• Fight for modern, safe, and fully funded school facilities
• Support school building improvements, including air conditioning and repairs
• Expand wraparound services that address trauma, mental health, and family needs
• Increase support for vocational and technical education programs
• Strengthen partnerships between schools, colleges, unions, and employers
• Create more opportunities for career exploration and workforce development
Every child deserves a pathway to success regardless of where they come from.
Small Businesses & Local Jobs
Investing in neighborhood economies, not just downtown development.
Why This Matters to Me
Before becoming a teacher, I worked in workforce development and helped connect hundreds of workers with employment opportunities. I've seen how small businesses create jobs, strengthen neighborhoods, and build community wealth.
The Problem
For too long, economic development has been concentrated in a few areas while neighborhood commercial districts continue to struggle.
My Plan
I will:
• Support neighborhood business development in Mason Square, Forest Park, and throughout the district
• Reduce unnecessary barriers facing entrepreneurs
• Expand workforce training and apprenticeship programs
• Encourage local hiring and community investment
• Support small businesses that create jobs for local residents
• Work to attract investment that benefits existing neighborhoods
Economic opportunity should reach every corner of Springfield.
Environmental Justice & Public Health
Fighting for cleaner air and healthier communities.
Why This Matters to Me
Too many Springfield families live with the health consequences of pollution and environmental neglect. Every child deserves clean air and every family deserves a healthy neighborhood.
The Problem
Many Springfield neighborhoods continue to experience poor air quality, excessive truck traffic, and environmental challenges that impact public health.
My Plan
I will:
• Hold polluters accountable
• Reduce diesel truck traffic in residential neighborhoods
• Increase tree planting and green space
• Support climate resilience investments
• Improve environmental health protections
• Prioritize environmental justice in state decision-making
Environmental justice is public health.
Seniors & Veterans
Honoring those who built our community and served our nation.
Why This Matters to Me
Many of our seniors spent decades working, raising families, and building Springfield. Veterans sacrificed for our country and deserve support when they return home. Too often, both groups struggle to access the services they need.
The Problem
Seniors are losing access to critical services that help them remain independent. Veterans continue to face challenges related to housing, mental health, and employment.
My Plan
I will:
• Fight for funding for Personal Care Attendants and in-home care services
• Expand mental health and transitional services for veterans
• Increase funding for senior recreation, wellness, and health programs
• Protect transportation access for seniors and veterans
• Support policies that help seniors remain safely in their homes
Our seniors and veterans deserve dignity, respect, and support.