Overcrowding of our neighborhoods, streets and schools system is a major consider. Stamford citizens are affected by the constant building and city leaders need to use new strategies and tools to better meet the needs of our residents. By improving Zoning regulations, we can try to gain a quality of life in our communities. I want to dissect the existing budget and determine where funds are needed and present a modestly different plan that more effectively addresses the improvement our school system, traffic and pedestrian safety, road maintenance, future infrastructure requirements and transportation in and around Stamford.

Overcrowding of our neighborhoods/streets/schools system is a major consider. Citizens are affected by the constant building and city leaders need to use new strategies/tools to better meet the needs of our residents. By improving Zoning regulations, we can try to gain a quality of life in our communities. I want to dissect the existing budget-determine where funds are needed and present a modestly different plan that more effectively addresses the improvement our school system/traffic/pedestrian safety road maintenance/future infrastructure requirements transportation in & around Stamford. There must be accountability within our government and hold people accountable. This city needs to stop rising taxes, government needs to support the homeowners and business owners in Stamford. We need to stop building apartments without considering reasonable parking needs. Each apartment must be equipped with adequate parking spaces (2). Whether it starts with Zoning enforcement or landlords not taking notice, stop the overcrowding of neighborhoods with the use of an anonymous Illegal Dwelling/Complaint Report. When a complaint is filed, a team will go out to inspect & immediately takes action. Landlords would be encouraged to register with the city and agree to have their properties undergo health and safety inspections. Landlords would be encouraged to include crime-free clauses in their leases. By implementing-applying fines when compliance is violated, we may start to see improvements. I will support anything that can help Stamford meet the need for decent, safe and affordable housing and I welcome the opportunity to work with neighborhoods and a committee for this.

Working together with one goal - helping the child learn and be successful. Be sensitive to students home cultures - understand the student’s culture, abilities, resilience, and effort. Work closely with medical, social services, and community agencies and screen children (at an early level) for medical/social services - Identify students who need additional instructional support - This is where it gets difficult - Engaging and reach out to students families - establish family centers at schools even if that means hiring staff who speak families home languages - Encourage parents to come to school events by providing transportation. Encourage families with language barriers to enroll in adult education and parenting courses. Provide a safe and orderly learning environment for students and educators - decrease class sizes. Importantly, in order to closing the achievement gap it needs to be a district priority

Traffic needs a new systems with pedestrian safety in mind. We can stop traffic in all directions so that pedestrians have 45 secs - 1 min to safely cross an intersection. By adding traffic police at some intersection, at specific time of day, that could keep traffic flowing.

Environmental concerns are not always considered during the design, planning and construction of infrastructure projects. Zoning and development need to be more concerned with the reservoir levels and sewage plant. Wastewater infrastructure suffers from underfunding, and sewer systems are not equipped to handle the ongoing growth in Stamford.

Unaffiliated - Mayoral Candidate (2013) Board of Education Candidate (2015)

Although John does not serve as a Board member at this time, he does attend most of the City of Stamford board meetings. John is a constant presence and continues advocating for Stamford residents and business owners. John is currently a member of Knights of Columbus. John is extremely good natured and always willing to do what he can to contribute, in hopes for a better future. He is an active volunteer and sponsor of Backyard Humanitarian, Boys and Girls Club, and Inspirica. John has volunteered, participated and shared time with many community organizations throughout Stamford such as, The Yerwood Center, the Umbrella Club, and many of the police and firefighter benefits. He attends neighborhood meetings, participates in community clean-ups, fundraising and awareness events.