ISSUES

 At this point, only those that live under a rock are the deaf fact that our Police Departments and their techniques are outdated, and in many cases cruel. The people of Albany should not be subjected to this injustice.  It is time for a REFORM. We must focus on policing that brings communities together rather than destroying them. Policing, which takes into account the needs and perspectives of all individuals, not just a select few. Finally, policing that prioritizes conversation over pulling a trigger. But our work here would not be done. We must also come together as a community and condone violence. Condone use on unnecessary violence by our police officers and our neighbors. If we want safer neighborhoods we the people should be part of that change too.  

 2020 was a devastating year for everyone and everything. Many have lost their loved ones and many more are still in critical condition. Many have also lost their businesses and with it their dreams, and livelihood. We have experienced nearly a complete shutdown of our economy and the effects on small business owners were devastating. Much of it was preventable, had the government prepared legislation for it. Having a plan to enter quarantine would have avoided the months-long shutdown, effective as it were, still failed to stop the virus but not our entrepreneurs from succeeding. This is why now, more than ever, we need a plan for rapid recovery with proper restrictions, and blueprints in place in case the surge of cases returns. As one of my first proposals, I would incentivize the opening of marijuana dispensaries, which has proved to stimulate the economy and bring additional tax revenue. It is time to bring it to Albany! 

 Albany already has a solid, working transportation system, so why would I fiddle with it? Because it is time for reform, not just police, but of the way we get around as well. As okay as our transportation system is, it's just that, "okay". We need to think of the future, it's time to revolutionize the way people travel within our city. By pushing eco-friendly modes of transportation and building a metro connecting major towns of the Albany area will not only bring jobs to our city and stimulate its growth but also allow people to travel freely to and from work.