Meet Ann

I am not certain of the HOW we will make sure we have enough good water for everyone, but am committed to helping to come up with viable solutions.  I also feel there should be a focus doing what we can to figure out a system whereby we can use non-potable water. Again, I am not sure of the logistics, but feel that in time it would help us all if we can save wear and tear on our water treatment plant so that it last longer, etc. Again, I have faith in the staff to go out and find a way.

As we all know, growth is welcomed and somewhat inevitable, but I think responsible growth is so much more important. We have to be sure we have what is needed  to handle the growth. I don’t think we should allow crazy growth just for the sake of growth. It needs to be managed.

Another subject that continues the need to be addressed is affordable housing. There is no doubt about that. That will probably never change. Again, I don’t have all the answers but trust in the entities that are there to help with these needs. I also feel that there should be an emphases on education and training to help people get better jobs so that they are on a road to becoming self sustaining. Or get them help with addiction or medical needs. This subject leads to the subject of homelessness. Again, I want to help with training, education, mental health help, substance abuse help for those that want the help. For those that do not, they should not be allowed to stay in our city for an extended period of time.

My thoughts regarding dispensaries is such that we have to be responsible about that as well. The people of the state voted to make it legal which ties our hands a bit. Prior  Council put a stop to it at that time, but this Council is going to allow it. It was explained to us that companies can come in with a referendum which would allow them to come into city and we have zero control at that point. Again, if we control how and where, then we minimize the trouble that could come without any structure or control. I am currently not in favor of growing crops until we can get a handle of the first steps. However, we are a farming community. I think I would prefer hemp farming. Hemp can be used for so many things that are currently being made with less sustainable resources.

I believe that the tax derived from the dispensaries can be used to help residents or to create a better Brighton. Although it won’t be a huge amount of money, it can certainly be put to good use. And besides all that, I guarantee residents are going outside of Brighton to purchase these products, so let’s keep the tax dollars in our own town.

I also see a vision for Brighton whereby we continue to have new businesses open and thrive in our city. Businesses are the backbone of any city and help keep the community health and happy. As a small business owner myself in Brighton, it makes me feel more connected and happy that I can offer my experience and talent to help others in my town. In addition, those businesses employ people. Then they don’t have to drive a long way to get to work. Statistics show that people who can work close to home and work in their community are happier and healthier. We need to focus on economic growth in our city that benefits everyone. I am excited about the possibility of getting the sports complex, as long as it makes sense and we consider all impacts, because of how it will benefit and strengthen our community.

I will also be focusing on making sure that we set a plan in motion to utilize The Depot. And, that we finish with Founders Plaza so that we can start to focus on the positive attributes of said Plaza. I would not have been in favor of what was decided for that corner, but also believe that at this point we just need to make the best of what has been decided and focus on ways we can make that corner special. Ways that maybe we can start new traditions and make new memories there. The possibilities are as abundant as our imagination. Basically, I want to find ways to make the best of the space that we have created.

Always, I seek to listen and to learn.  How do people want to be engaged?  Who has time and expertise to contribute, and how do we help them to do so?  What gaps in diversity and representation we need to fill?  Whose voices do we need to hear?  Do we make it possible – and desirable – to participate?

Getting the attention of busy families is always challenging, and we can increase the use of technology to engage them.  Social media is critical to communication with younger families and their children.  Families may participate more if we encourage active remote participation, with events like telephone town halls.

My intent is to engage people by being present, inviting people to share, and communicating with integrity.

Thank you so much for providing me with this opportunity to engage with Building a Better Brighton.  I appreciate you enabling me to frame my candidacy in the context of issues you see as critical to the community.  I do hope to achieve your support and endorsement as we look at these challenges together.