John,

To bring District 5 back from the health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, we need to think and act broader and bolder. We need an aggressive and community-based path forward for District 5 to emerge from this crisis – one that will protect and enhance our safety, neighborhood vibrancy, and diversity. 

Without action, the impacts of this crisis will permanently devastate vulnerable communities, shutter restaurants, cafes, bars and commercial corridors, exacerbate inequality, and lead to more housing insecurity and ingrained homelessness with more despair than before. With the right approach that includes all of us working together, we can emerge as stronger neighborhoods in a stronger City.

I’ve worked in our neighborhoods, and in nonprofits. I’ve created housing on City land. I’ve served two previous District 5 Supervisors. And I’ve served the City and our neighborhoods in previous times of crisis. I know that the best ideas come from the grassroots level, and that we have to fight for more creative and more sustained action. I’m sharing initial ideas, which together we can build into a shared vision. 

This is going to be a long haul. Regardless of how the public health aspects develop in the coming months, the impacts of this crisis will continue to be felt in our city budget, our local economy, and our health in the years ahead.  

It’s not just the safety we achieve now, but what we can sustain into 2021 and beyond. And, it’s not just being safe but feeling safe. It’s not politicians in City Hall, but individuals and families in their living rooms who will make the final decisions about how they live, work, engage with transit and businesses, and community. It’s not about political grandstanding and who can turn this crisis into an opportunity to get their preexisting pet project approved; it’s about the people we serve. We must work on the grassroots level to ensure everyone feels safe and included in what happens in our community. 

I’m committed to looking at every aspect of how City leadership touches our lives and how we can pull together to create positive change. You can read my full plan at votevallie.com/recovery.

Thank you,