I want this position because Newark has incredible untapped potential, and I’m passionate about unlocking it. I envision Newark as a city that draws people from around the world, a place where opportunity, diversity, and innovation flourish. I want a Newark where residents feel secure in their homes without fear of displacement, where quality jobs are stable and plentiful, and where we can invest in safer, cleaner, and more supportive communities. I’m committed to making this vision a reality for all of us.

Moreover, too few young people in our country are choosing to pursue public service or run for office, and that’s a real problem. Without fresh perspectives and new ideas, we miss out on opportunities for transformative change. I’m committed to inspiring the next generation to step up, share their passion, and bring new energy to our government, ensuring that our future leaders are equipped to create a brighter, more inclusive future.

Read more about my story here.

I’m from the Central Ward and have spent most of my life here. I went to Dartmouth for grad school and built a career in technology and business. I’ve developed software to support Newark’s schools and improve street safety. Newark needs fresh ideas, and with my open-minded approach and tech background, we can help the city make smarter, safer choices. I’m not a typical politician, and we don’t want this campaign to be about theatrics. We want it to be about ideas. I left Newark to learn, and I returned in 2015 to use what I’ve learned to make a real difference.

What sets me apart is my optimism, energy, and independence, along with a strong background in technology. Unlike many candidates, I haven’t been asked to run by party leaders; I’m independent, and that means my commitment is solely to the people. I bring fresh ideas, a unique perspective, and a true passion for making Newark a thriving, desirable place to live and visit. With Newark’s incredible potential, I see how modern technology can elevate city services, save money, and improve lives. My independence ensures I’ll act with the best interests of residents in mind, and this proactive, people-centered approach is what truly sets us apart from other candidates, positioning us to lead Newark into an innovative and prosperous future.

I am independent because we believe in putting people and solutions first, not party politics. Our campaign is focused on addressing the real issues in Newark, keeping our residents home and safe, improving education, and creating opportunities for all without being tied to party agendas. Newark isn’t a Democratic city, Newark isn’t a Republican city, Newark is a sensible city. We are driven by a sense of duty to our community, and we genuinely believe the best ideas can come from anywhere. Whether it’s from the left, right, or center, we prioritize what works for the people of Newark. Our goal is to bring common sense and fresh energy to local government, regardless of political affiliation.

“New Energy in Newark” represents a fresh, dynamic approach to leadership in our city. It reflects a commitment to transparency, sensibility, honesty, and compassion in governance, ensuring decisions are made with the well-being of Newark’s residents at heart. This campaign is about bringing bold, innovative solutions and a renewed sense of purpose to our community, ensuring Newark thrives for generations to come.

Our platform focuses on five main areas: transparency, inspiring youth, safety, innovation, and reviving the arts. We want to empower young people through mentorship, education, sports, and the arts, encouraging them to learn beyond Newark and come back to help our city. Safety is key, with walkable streets, better lighting, and community policing that builds trust. We’ll ensure tax dollars are spent wisely by using technology and first-principles thinking to improve the budget process. We also plan to bring in partnerships with private companies and universities to address Newark’s challenges. Lastly, we believe in supporting local artists and creating public spaces for creative expression in the Central Ward.

To make our streets safer, we would implement a comprehensive approach that combines proactive community engagement, enhanced surveillance, and critical infrastructure improvements. Our plan includes strengthening speeding and reckless driving laws to protect pedestrians and drivers, installing the proper signage, and implementing traffic-calming measures in high-risk areas to ensure that all residents feel safe on our streets.

We’ll introduce ordinances focused on improving street safety by enforcing stricter regulations on illegal firearms and gang activity, expanding street surveillance with cameras, and increasing lighting in under-illuminated areas. Enhanced community policing will be integral, fostering trust between residents and law enforcement through regular neighborhood interactions and feedback channels.

To address the needs of the unhoused, we would work to establish support programs that offer safe spaces and essential services. We aim to reduce street encampments by providing accessible shelters and long-term housing options, focusing on dignity and safety for all.

We are creating an initiative called MESA (Mentoring, Education, Sports, Arts) to inspire the youth of Newark and equip them with the skills they need to succeed. The goal of MESA is to provide young people with the tools to go out, learn, and then bring their knowledge and experience back to uplift our city. Through Mentoring, they will connect with role models who guide them on their journey. Education will empower them with the critical skills necessary for academic and career success. Sports will teach discipline, teamwork, and provide physical outlets, while Arts will nurture their creativity and self-expression. MESA is designed to inspire the youth to not only achieve great things but to reinvest in Newark, ensuring a brighter future for themselves and their community.

We plan to continue to set aside 20% of all new housing projects for affordable housing, with the city helping choose who lives there. This ensures motivated native Newarkers have a place to live and easier access to opportunities, without being pushed out of the city.

Read our full plan here.

One way I plan to make Newark better for businesses is by building software to connect residents and visitors to local businesses. For example, I conceptualized Newark Events, where people can easily find local events. Although it’s not officially launched, this is just one of many ideas I have for using technology to promote local businesses and drive more traffic to them. By creating similar platforms, we can help businesses reach more customers, boost the local economy, and create stronger connections between businesses and the community.

I’ve got an idea to help boost literacy in Newark using AI. I’m working on a concept called ReadBuddy that will help students with reading by analyzing their pronunciation and comprehension, giving them real-time feedback and personalized support.

On top of that, I believe my sports initiative will also make a difference. Kids learn better when they’re active, so by promoting sports and keeping them engaged, we can improve both their physical health and academic performance. I believe combining the tech-driven literacy programs and active lifestyles will give Newark students a better chance to succeed.

We need to track unemployed residents and keep them connected to opportunities. We need software that allows us to stay in touch with those looking for work, send them job openings, training programs, and resources to help them get back into the workforce. By maintaining a direct line of communication, we can provide real-time updates on available jobs and make sure people don’t miss out on chances to improve their situation. This system will help ensure that every resident has access to the support they need to find employment.

I have plans to make the Newark the amateur sports hub of the world. By leveraging our existing infrastructure, like swimming pools, stadiums, and parks, we can attract regional, national, and even international sports events. This would not only bring in visitors and boost local businesses, but also create job opportunities and showcase Newark as a center for youth sports.

On top of that, we can offer programs that help local residents find jobs in sports, hospitality, and event management, further strengthening our economy. Making Newark a sports hub will drive growth while creating new opportunities for residents.

Learn more about our Newark Amateur Sports plan.

My first idea is to use zero-balance budgeting, which means every dollar will be tracked, and no funds will be hidden. Every expense will have a clear purpose, and residents will be able to see exactly how taxpayer money is being spent.

I also want to use technology to share real-time data with the public, so everyone can see where the money is going and hold officials accountable. Transparency is important to me, and I’m committed to making Newark’s government honest and open for everyone.

In the next 5-10 years, I see Newark thriving as a city of opportunity and growth. Local businesses will flourish, more affordable housing will be available, and residents will have greater access to jobs. Newark will become a hub for amateur sports, attracting events that boost our economy and create new opportunities.

Education will improve with the help of AI and technology, and our neighborhoods will be safer and more connected through platforms that keep everyone informed. Newark will grow while staying true to its culture, making it a place where people can thrive and build their futures.