The Issues
Public Safety
Public Safety remains a crucial issue when it comes to New York City. I don't have any illusions that in office I could solve all crime. But leaders in the community and elected officials are in a unique place to implement policies that might prevent certain crimes and promote public safety. Things like regulating batteries on E-bikes, enforcing bike lane infractions and issuing biking licenses, or promoting and improving systems that help police response times like the reporting phone line and app.
Policies and practices within the city's departments could be improved — I don't think anyone disagrees with that. But whatever these improvements might be, are only effective if the community understands what is going on and why practices have been changed. This starts with transparency between the People and a police and sherif's department that works tirelessly to improve public safety.
As a City councilor and former Marine I have a unique opportunity to develop a sturdy dialogue between the People and departments which would foster more cooperation and good will between the two.
Education Equity
The concept of education equity across all of New York City is something for which we should strive to achieve. However recent implementation of policy in the attempt to reach this goal have been both poorly conceived and handled. Access to the best high school education shouldn't come at the cost of teen mental health or safety. It's on policy makers and school administrators to discern what makes a school more attractive and have better results than others. Of course this comes down to a host of reasons but the solution isn't to turn away the young New Yorkers that live down the street. It should be about putting work into having more schools be competitive.
I see a solution coming from several places: a comprehensive dialogue with teachers and teacher's unions regarding how to better implement funds and other resources including educators across the city, a more dynamic education department and one that can swiftly facilitate forward progress as positive change is recommended, and a clear goal from city and state government that the status quo is not good enough.
I believe in an education system free for the People. However, the quality of this education shouldn't depend on wealth, status, or geography. It should be the responsibility of government to raise the level of education at all schools; but this isn't accomplished by barring the attendance of teens who live in proximity to top-notch institutions.
Affordable Housing and Homelessness
Access to more affordable housing is desperately needed for a city whose homeless population is on the rise and while the cost of living across the country is skyrocketing. As construction technology allows for more efficient building techniques, this should allow for a large amount of low cost units.
In addition to this, current laws in place providing affordable housing units like section 8 or Mandatory Inclusionary Housing, should be expanded and bolstered by additional policies like Universal Affordability Preference or by lifting the 12 FAR Cap.
I also see a need to include modern construction techniques into the practices of local construction companies. For instance, the use of construction printing (think industrial 3D printing) can save costs, time, and materials. Cities around the world have begun using designs which prioritize environmental responses which naturally regulate heating and cooling. We can be leading at the front of the field, experimenting in building practices, designs, and materials. We can be the example for the rest of the United States when it comes to what the future can look like, while also holding reverence for the iconic landmarks that make our city skyline truly special.
These policies along with many others are what the city needs to have a wider availability of housing. This will also help decrease the currently rising number of homeless, who are most commonly characterized as couch surfers and anyone living out of their car. In fact those that live on the street make up a lower percentage of the homeless population than those who may simply be "between residences" with no realistic options.
Additional Issues Luke is Passionate About
Something I am truly passionate about, though it may not come as a big surprise, is the roll that the arts can play in developing a more understanding community. Only through the arts can a diverse group of people be brought together and share in an enriching experience.
Manhattan is a capital of so many different kinds of arts, it's only fitting that someone hoping to represent a portion of the city understands fully the meaningful impact that the arts can have in society and politics especially when we consider the unprecedented times facing us.
Solutions
Running on issues is one thing. Providing solutions to these issues is something else entirely. With that in mind, I put together a list of potential solutions to go along with the above issues (and a few more) over the last several months. Written and developed with the lens of where to focus energy in first term as an elected official. These are what I'm calling my 15-point plan. I'd love to listen to critiques, thoughts, and questions.
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1. Document each of the District's police precinct community outreach meetings to monitor crime trends as they occur.
2. Issue bi-monthly statements detailing these trends and what the precinct officers see as the best course of action.
3. Keep constituents up-to-date with the work being done by the County Sherif to dismantling illegal cannabis shops.
4. Address the issues pertaining to e-bikes. Develop solutions from amending battery registration, updating traffic laws, to brightening crosswalks at night.
5. Empower religious tolerance by talking about the sensitive issues. Acceptance comes from knowledge.
6. Explore efficient ways to invest in public schools.
7. Host periodic events to promote learning. Feature guest lecturers of all subjects.
8. Work with teacher's unions and administrations in crafting a meaningful, long-lasting contract.
9. Work to reform the SHSAT. Instead of sending New York City students across the boroughs, often leading to hours on public transportation, effort can be better spent improving education throughout all New York City.
10. Craft policies and pilot projects for supporting home ownership.
11. Develop outside-the-box solutions for low income families investing in themselves.
12. Oversee the continued implementation of City of Yes.
13. Support the efforts of the Department of Veteran Services; Including homelessness, affordable housing, medical access, educational and occupational support.
14. Host public recitals and artistic salons featuring local musicians, artists and authors.
15. Promote local artists, musicians, and authors by attending events. Use the platform of the office to celebrate the arts in the District and City.