Issues

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Nikki believes in a government that works for - and listens to - the people. Nikki advocates for a return to thoughtful public debate in City Council, an independent redistricting process to prevent ward boundary manipulation, and an end to the gross misuse of emergency ordinances for simple day-to-day Council business. Nikki believes in good governance, including the wise use of public dollars, and will continue to fight for transparency and accountability as a member of City Council. 

Nikki understands that strong neighborhoods are essential for achieving the quality of life that all Clevelanders deserve, and that resiliency starts with building community. Relationships are key to making this happen, and Nikki has worked to foster connections among residents and local businesses by serving as chair of her block club, organizing neighborhood cleanups, coordinating daffodil planting on the Desmond hillside, and organizing community events at Neal Terrace Apartments on Detroit Avenue. She is a past Board member of the Northwest Neighborhoods Community Development Corporation, volunteering to secure important neighborhood services and increase the availability of affordable housing.  As a member of City Council, Nikki will continue to build strong relationships in the new Ward 11 and leverage foundational connections with nonprofit partners to accelerate progress citywide. Nikki also plans to help create and promote neighborhood block clubs and merchants’ associations, strengthening connections among organizations like these on a Citywide level so local groups can build their own networks, learn from one another, and share best practices.

Nikki knows what it is like to live in a neighborhood where you don’t feel safe. In 2017, when gun violence had gotten so bad that many of her neighbors were moving away, Nikki made a decision to stay and fight to make her neighborhood a safe place to raise her kids. She did this by partnering with neighbors and area businesses to take away the liquor license of a very problematic store near her home and by developing a strong working relationship with First District Police.

On Council, Nikki would like to serve on the Safety Committee to ensure that the progress Cleveland has made under the Consent Decree toward constitutional and community policing continues. She also hopes to create more opportunities for the police to interact and build relationships with members of the community, and will work to develop policies that make Cleveland an employer of choice for First Responders, making certain we’re attracting and training the talent needed to achieve these goals.