Key Issues
Susan is committed to economic opportunity and social equity. As a member of Albany County Legislature's Health Committee, she is working to ensure that people in the 5th District have access to the County's Health and Mental Health services. This includes bringing together mental health professionals, social services, and law enforcement to ensure appropriate responses to police calls. She will use her experience in business and community development to help Lark Street and businesses throughout the County grow and adapt to an ever changing fiscal environment. She will work for balanced and sustainable use of our historic built and natural environments. And she will bring people together to ensure that our budget is fair and balanced, and our County is a great place to live and work.
Economic and Community Development
Small businesses on Lark Street are at the heart of our community. Over the past few years they have creatively adapted to new economic circumstances. Strengthening the viability of our businesses and the safety of the community are important to Susan.
The Lark Street Business Improvement District (BID) is key to reviving our local economy and making our community a better place to live and visit. The BID was formed to enhance neighborhood safety and upkeep, and coordinate marketing and special events. It’s a huge job that benefits people throughout the city and the region who enjoy festivals, dining and entertainment options here in the 5th District.
As a member of the County Legislature's Economic Development Committee Susan will promote balanced and sustainable development. She will work to develop affordable housing, combat blight, support MWBEs, and efforts to reconnect Albany to the Hudson River.
Susan has the economic and community development experience to help our community become a safer and even more inviting venue for neighbors and visitors alike.
Police Reform and Social Justice
Susan believes that, as New York’s capital city, Albany must set the standard for other cities to follow. We must ensure that appropriate personnel respond to 911 calls. The County plays a critical role in partnering mental health and social services with law enforcement to ensure that we are appropriately responding to calls for police assistance, de-escalating interactions with law enforcement, and preventing unnecessary uses of force.
Susan will fight to achieve meaningful reform, improve safety, empower residents, and reduce incarceration rates. She is committed to ensuring that all community members are treated fairly and with respect.
As our County Legislator, Susan will:
- Work to expand the ACCORD program to ensure that mental health professionals and emergency medical services are part of our response when police are called to mental health crisis.
- Promote efforts to provide employment opportunities for all residents of our community and help to diversify our County's workforce and leadership.
- Empower residents and reduce incarceration rates by supporting programs such as SHIP (Sherriff's Homeless Improvement Program).
Susan has experience in advocacy and building coalitions of diverse stakeholders that will help our community progress. Her work with grassroots movements and different levels of local government will ensure results as we address social justice issues throughout our County.
Sustain our Natural and Built Environments
Washington Park and the historic homes in the 5th District contribute to our quality of life. We must protect our historic environment and continue to invest in public art and historic preservation. Susan will work to improve access to Albany County's parks and recreation programs. She will ensure that the County works to reduce global warming and carbon emissions by advancing the County's Climate Action Plan and the Sustainable Technology and Green Energy (STAGE) Act.
As our County Legislator, Susan will:
- Continue to implement the recommendations outlined by the Blight to Betterment Task Force in order to reduce blight, hold absentee landlords accountable, and improve homeownership here in Albany.
- Ensure that the Albany County Landbank has the resources it needs to carry out its mission.
- Improve connection between the City of Albany and the County's recreational facilities through improved transit access.
- Support the expansion of the Albany County Rail Trail and its connections to the City of Albany.
As a long-time activist and resident, Susan has the perspective and the experience needed to ensure that the voices of our community are heard in balancing the needs of our residents with the desires of those who visit.