The tax breaks and special treatment given to corporations and developers has had a devastating effect on our city. In the communities where these developments have been built, quality of life and affordability have gone down. Our schools have become overcrowded as Stamford takes in more people and families than we can afford. Overcrowding in schools has led to larger classes, which has resulted in less one on one time between teachers and students. Residents across the city have been forced to deal with this tax burden instead of developers who are not paying their fair share. My family, who has lived in Stamford for generations, is now unable to afford to retire here for the first time. The current path is not a sustainable policy for any city. As your representative and part of the Reform Stamford voting bloc, I will stand up to these developers and ensure that they pay their fair share. It is my firm belief that this should be a litmus test for any candidate running in Stamford this year, whether they are Republican or Democrat. The city has failed to represent the interests of working families, and it is a dereliction of duty. I believe that we cannot waste any more time as Stamford becomes more unaffordable to working class families while remaining beholden to special interests.

Improving communications begins by ensuring residents have a voice. Too many representatives in both parties do not listen to their constituents. Instead, they fall in line with what the party demands of them. In many cases, this even includes establishment Republicans who do the bidding of the Democrat party. It is past time we open up the Board of Representatives to be a truly representative body of the residents of Stamford.

There are simple, practical steps we can take to accomplish this. In our district, there are roads that are being neglected in our city's paving plan, which has caused many of the roads to deteriorate to dangerous conditions. I believe it is imperative to continue a dialogue with these residents to ensure that appropriate action is taken to resolve issues like these. Talking with constituents is not something that can be put off to an election year.

When important matters come before the Board of Representatives, I will consult with my neighbors and constituents of the 18th district, not my party leaders. I will hold "office hours" in different locations throughout the district where residents can come and share their concerns about a particular ordinance or resolution. I intend to do everything I can to ensure my votes reflect the needs of my residents and not the needs of the special interests of the party. Small steps like these are just the beginning to ensuring that reality.

I have little political experience. I believe that ought to be considered a positive. Instead, I have focused my involvement with my community. I am a newly certified teacher in the Stamford school district, the same district I am a proud graduate of. I also am an active volunteer with after school programs at Rippowam Middle School.

I am a lifelong parishioner of Holy Spirit Parish where I have also volunteered several years as a religious education instructor. I am passionate about education and preparing the next generation of children, and as a result my community involvement has focused on education both in my professional and personal life.

I am proud to be a resident of Stamford. I love my city and the communities of TOR and Springdale where I have grown up. I look forward to representing them.