Laura understands the significance of community engagement, and envisions a future where every Carrollton resident thrives. She looks forward to engaging with residents, hearing their concerns, and sharing her vision for a growing Carrollton, built on inclusivity, innovation, and responsible leadership.
PLATFORM
Laura's top priorities include:
-Comprehensive Public Safety: Increase Recruitement and Pay.
I will continue to make sure Carrollton stays one of the safest cities in North Texas. I truly recognize and appreciate the essential role of our first responders and we absolutely have to ensure they’re provided the proper support they need- including resources for their outreach programs and being able to recruit and retain proper staffing levels. The increased pay and lateral moves have helped. But I want to continue to look into retention, facilities and equipment- as well as planning for the future and additional needs as our city grows.
-Infrastructure: Building the
Foundation for a Thriving Carrollton. Carrollton is going to continue to grow. This affects our infrastructure, our safety, our affordable housing and it poses setbacks for commercial development. I will bring an innovative vision for redevelopment, with specific focus on mixed use housing that takes advantage of our proximity to major rail stations and centralized location. And our amenities will need to stay competitive so that our quality of life remains high.
- Affordable Housing and Accessible Public Transit: Building a Connected Community. I firmly believe that everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to call home. While rent costs are on the rise, I will work to increase the supply of affordable housing in the city and hold DART accountable for the funding our city provides.
- Animal Welfare: A Compassionate Approach to Pet Care. I plan to continue advocating for policies that prioritize the well-being of our beloved animal companions and promote responsible pet ownership within our community.
- Ensuring Accessibility and Inclusivity: Diverse Voices on Boards and Commissions. I know that a diverse community is a strong community. I will work to promote diversity and inclusion in all aspects of city life, from hiring practices to community events.
-Arts and Culture: Fostering Connection Through Creativity. I hope to create an Arts and Culture Commission, a goal very near and dear to my heart.
I’ve worked in this field and take immense pride in my work within the nonprofit sector, particularly in my efforts to break down barriers and foster inclusivity through art. Our initiatives focused on showcasing diverse voices from underrepresented communities. Carrollton should be no different. We have a vibrant variety of cultures within and surrounding our city. We can celebrate our residents while offering another reason for Carrollton’s neighbors to come and visit.
Affordable Housing and Accessible Public Transit: Building a Connected Community.
I plan to prioritize championing affordable housing for Carrollton residents - whether it's young folks buying their first home or retirees who are ready to downsize. I want to work with developers and nonprofits alike to help bring more diversity and inclusivity to our neighborhoods. For example, we need to make sure that our public transit is accessible to those who need it- including crucial efforts to keep our infrastructure current, with refreshed streets, sidewalks, and bike lanes where possible.
Access to safe housing is a basic human right, and I'm committed to creating a community where everyone can find a home. I'll advocate for streamlined approval processes, collaborating with developers and non-profits to provide diverse housing options.
Recognizing the importance of accessible public transit, I'll advocate for efficient and covered bus stops, making it a comfortable option for all residents regardless of weather conditions. Additionally, I aim to expand transit routes, connecting residential areas with essential services, job centers, and educational institutions.
Animal Welfare: A Compassionate Approach to Pet Care.
I am deeply committed to the welfare of our community's animals. To address the challenges faced by stray populations, I believe we need to implement a comprehensive Trap, Neuter, and Release (TNR) program. This humane strategy is proven to be effective in managing populations while ensuring the health and safety of the animals.
Promoting responsible pet ownership is equally crucial. I will advocate for educational campaigns that emphasize the importance of spaying or neutering pets, microchipping and regular veterinary care. By fostering a culture of empathy and responsibility, we can reduce the number of abandoned animals and euthanasia rates.
I am also dedicated to enforcing strict consequences for those who violate animal cruelty laws. This includes supporting law enforcement efforts to investigate and prosecute cases of animal abuse. By holding individuals accountable for their actions, we send a clear message that our community will not tolerate mistreatment of animals.
Ensuring Accessibility and Inclusivity: Diverse Voices on Boards and Commissions.
In my commitment to transparent and responsive governance, I place a strong emphasis on making public meetings accessible and inclusive to all residents. Accessibility isn't just about physical accommodations; it's about ensuring that every voice in our diverse community is not only heard but actively sought out and valued. This includes education by both reaching out to underrepresented communities and implementing outreach programs to shape city policies.
Diversifying our boards not only broadens perspectives but also fosters a stronger community ownership. It's essential that those making decisions about our city's future reflect the rich tapestry of Carrollton. I will work tirelessly to create opportunities for individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences to contribute their valuable insights to the decision-making processes.