
BRIDGING THE BLOCK TO THE BALLOT

BACKGROUND
I am a chef, a father, a working man. Growing up in Poughkeepsie, I didn’t just witness the challenges many families faced— my own family lived through them. From dealing with housing insecurity to seeing firsthand the struggles of inadequate mental health support and limited youth opportunities, these experiences shaped my unwavering commitment to public service. Inspired to be a force for change, I dedicated myself to grassroots activism, community organizing, and advocating for the voiceless—always with the goal of creating a more inclusive and supportive Poughkeepsie.
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​​CAMPAIGN INITIATIVES
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Fighting for Our Youth
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Expanding Youth Programs: Championing after-school and mentorship initiatives that provide safe spaces and enrichment activities for kids.
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Building Pathways to Success: Partnering with local businesses and nonprofits to offer internships, scholarships, and job training that prepare young people for meaningful careers.
Championing Mental Health
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Community-Based Services: Making sure counseling centers and professionals are accessible within neighborhoods, so help is never far away.
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Early Intervention & Education: Encouraging schools to integrate mental health awareness into their curricula, reducing stigma and identifying concerns early.
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Peer Support Programs: Supporting initiatives that train community members to recognize warning signs, offer empathy, and connect neighbors to the right resources.
Advocating for Affordable Housing
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Inclusionary Zoning: Ensuring new developments reserve a percentage of units for families with limited incomes.
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Preservation & Rehabilitation: Working with landlords and nonprofits to maintain and upgrade existing housing stock at fair rents.
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Homeownership Support: Offering down payment assistance, financial literacy programs, and low-interest loans so families can build stability and generational wealth.
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