Making it happen in Ward One!
Harry’s work has led to tangible improvements in our community, such as:
Supporting Constituents
Keeping residents informed through a biweekly newsletter with updates on big picture issues, legislation, and fun events throughout the ward
Responded to hundreds of constituent concerns, addressing individual needs and community issues efficiently guided by my slogan “Let’s make it happen!”
Fixed dozens of street lights by reporting to BGE
Improving Streets and Sidewalks
Doubled sidewalk repair funds, specifically dedicating $500,000 for brick sidewalk repairs
Passed legislation empowering the city to clear snowy sidewalks and recoup the costs if adjacent owners don’t clear their walk
Ensured the sidewalk was repaired on Taylor Avenue near Park Place before it got worse. As my mom says, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”
Funded salt brine tanks on snow trucks, getting salt down before it snows to improve road safety
Strengthening Election Integrity and Expanding Voter Choice
Introduced legislation giving voters more information about who’s funding campaigns
Proposed Ranked Choice Voting legislation, which would encourage more candidates—including independents—and more positive campaigning
Building Stronger Neighborhoods
Sponsored resolution that led to the abandoned gas station on Monticello and West Street getting purchased for redevelopment into new homes
Introduced legislation to re-allow historic duplexes, promoting housing affordability and making neighborhoods more connected
Reformed the Art in Public Places Commission, enhancing our city’s ability to beautify shared spaces
Crafting a Fiscally Responsible Budget
Prevented $200 increase of the fee to get a historic preservation permit
Cut an unnecessary position from the mayor’s office
Trimmed fat from three capital projects and put that money towards fixing sidewalks
Supporting Our Youth
Ensured the following budget amendments--proposed by Alderwoman O'Neill--received multiyear funding to keep kids engaged and safe:
“This amendment repurposes $32,000 for football and sport officials in the Department of Recreation and Parks, Sports division, to partner with a non-profit after-school sports program.”
“This amendment repurposes $10,000 of an unfilled position in the mayor’s office to the Office of Community Services for a summer reach program focusing on teens 13 –18 years old in the Clay Street area .”
“This amendment repurposes $7,500 of an unfilled position in the mayor’s office to the Department of Recreation and Parks, Stanton Center division, to extend the hours of operation.”
Protecting Our Environment
Fixed turtle-tangling netting at Amos Garrett Park
Created a park at the end of Thompson Street
Supported the addition of solar panels on St. John’s
Making Parking Work for You
Got Premium Parking to enable multi-day purchase of guest passes, making it easier to host family and friends (We’re still trying to get SP+ to do this)
Supported budget amendment to cleverly push Hillman Garage towards a true “drive-in/drive-out” system, like the other three garages
Co-sponsored legislation that makes it easier to tow oversized vehicles, freeing up parking