I love Newark deeply. This city shaped who I am, and its authenticity and resilience inspire me every day. This is where I feel most at home, and I believe there are so many people here who share a desire to make this city better. I want to use my knowledge and experiences to help unite us all and put us in a position to thrive like so many other cities around the world. Newark natives and legacy Newarkers deserve the same opportunities for growth, innovation, and a higher quality of life, and I am committed to helping lead the charge to make that a reality.

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 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 other 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’m running because I genuinely believe this is the most impactful way to use the experience and knowledge I’ve gained over the years to serve my city. 

I believe Newark’s success and my personal reputation are inherently aligned. By putting Newark first and focusing on the collective good of our residents, I will gain the trust and respect of the city, which is far more valuable than any personal gain. My goal is to ensure that every decision benefits the city and its people.

I will take a firm approach with outside interests, making it clear that Newark is not just a place to make money. Anyone doing business here must prioritize contributing to the city’s growth, supporting its residents, and strengthening the community. Newark’s overall success will always come first, with individual success following as a result.

Preserving Newark’s identity starts with helping Native Newarkers and legacy residents afford to live here. We need to create meaningful career pathway programs, attract more jobs to the city, and explore solutions like universal basic income. By ensuring that Newarkers can thrive in their hometown, we protect the city’s cultural and historical roots.

My plan is to stay connected with Newarkers by creating accessible channels for residents to share their concerns, ideas, and feedback. This starts with Our Newark, a new social site designed exclusively for our community. This platform will allow residents to post about issues, share ideas, and collaborate on solutions. By fostering ongoing dialogue, we can ensure that leadership remains responsive to the real needs of the community and that every voice plays a part in shaping Newark’s future. Together, we can build a stronger, more connected Newark.

Our Newark will launch in February of 2025.

We will implement technology similar to Checkbook NYC, allowing residents to track how every government dollar is spent and providing insight into decision-making processes. This transparency will build trust and ensure that leaders remain accountable to the people they serve.

We love Newark’s infrastructure, including its transportation networks, and we are inspired by our rich history of innovation, arts, and activism. Most of all, we admire the resilience and authenticity of our people, who continue to push Newark forward despite the challenges they face. Although it feels like we’ve faced some of our toughest moments, we believe this is our opportunity to rise stronger and move forward together.

I’ve created 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 in the world, 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.

To create more low-income housing, I plan to advocate for cooperative housing models that allow residents’ rent payments to contribute toward community ownership of their units. This approach not only provides affordable housing but also empowers residents to build equity and have a stake in their living spaces. Cooperative housing has been successful in countries around the world, and it’s time we bring this innovative solution to Newark. By working with local developers, nonprofits, and financial institutions, we can establish co-ops that keep housing affordable, strengthen communities, and ensure long-time residents can remain in Newark.

I will rely on both qualitative and quantitative data, ensuring decisions are informed by facts. I also prioritize inclusivity by listening to as many perspectives to come to the most sensible decisions.

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.

Success means creating more jobs, improving overall wellness, and ensuring residents are safe, healthy, and thriving.

My vision is to make Newark one of the most visited and desirable cities in the world. Newark has to become a place where people come to experience our vibrant culture, economic opportunities, and rich history, while residents enjoy a high quality of life in a thriving city.