If elected, how would you ensure that older adults who live in Durham are included in zoning decisions, particularly individuals from communities that have been historically marginalized?
If I am fortunate enough to be reelected to continue serving the people of Durham in my current role, I will ensure that older adults in Durham are included in zoning decisions by continuing to work to increase the ways in which citizen input is facilitated by City government. Whether via increased townhalls at senior centers and assisted living communities, direct outreach, etc., we must continue to actively seek innovative ways to ensure that all Durhamites feel that they have a seat at the table. That also involves
continuing to make the public aware of the many current ways that they can get involved in the process as well.
Do you support requiring developers to build accessible, affordable housing? We are aware of the state-level limitations on local municipalities.
Yes
If elected, how would you use the City’s contracting process to incentivize the expansion of affordable and accessible housing for older adults and people who have disabilities?
I will continue to utilize the city’s contracting process to ensure that all new development is undertaken with Durham’s unique communities in mind. This involves working with developers to ensure not only affordable housing, but accessible housing as well. This involves working with developers to ensure they are assisting with the expansion of public resources and other utilities that ease the burden on our elderly and differently-abled neighbors.
Durham currently has at least 1 public school building that is not being used. Considering the examples of New Bethel Homes and the Veranda at Whitted senior housing communities, do you support renovating former schools into housing for older adults?
Yes
Because of factors like low salaries, lack of professional advancement, the growing aging population and burnout – Durham has a shortage in people who are working in home health. One of the objectives in the City of Durham’s current strategic plan is to build a talented and competitive workforce. If elected, what will you do to support current home health workers?
I will ensure that the incentive structure in Durham’s strategic plan is geared towards facilitating the cultivation of a robust home health workforce as well. A rising tide lifts all boats, and part of our task as elected leaders is to always work to ensure that none are being left behind. I will be happy to coordinate with home health workers to ensure that the initiatives undertaken by the city are sufficiently accessible to individuals in their profession.
What is your vision for the City to support older adults so that they can age in-place safely and with dignity? If elected, how will you support organizations that are currently providing resources to older adults, including advocacy?
One of the achievements of which I have been the most proud during my tenure is the expansion of Durham’s partnership with nonprofits and community organizations to ensure that those doing the groundwork in our communities are sufficiently supported in all of their needs. I will ensure that these groups are not only supported but that their collective voices are heard. My office is an accessible Mayor’s office, and I’m always willing to meet the citizens of Durham where they are and I commit to you today just as I did two years ago to always give my all to ensuring that Durham’s older adult population has everything they need to not only survive, but to truly thrive.
The federal bill H.R. 1 (Big Beautiful Bill) will significantly reduce access to essential resources that people in Durham need including SNAP, Medicaid and affordable health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace (Obamacare). If elected, give 2-3 examples of how you will support Durham’s collective well-being given that there will be less access to essential needs like food and healthcare.
I will support Durham’s wellbeing by continuing to expand public-private partnerships in ways that add community resources, I will leverage Durham’s AAA bond rating and lending power to target affordability matters where they are most needed in the community, and I will work to ensure that city resources that help provide the basics like food and access to healthcare are fully-funded on all fronts and expanded where possible.
