I will always prioritize the needs of residents WHY I'm RUNNING

I often say that my daily work reflects my own story. That means that I have lived a life that has gifted me the experiences to now speak with authority about affordable and adequate housing; smart development; opioid recovery; public safety and environmental justice.

These have been priority issues in my campaign because as a wife, mother, grandmother, and advocate to many in Annapolis, I am able to share a lived path to independence and community. I have participated in many city and county initiatives that are attempting to solve these issues and constantly am connecting residents to be part of the process.

The relationships I have built over the years with so many across this city has shown me what can be done to transform systems that do not work. But most importantly, I am fully invested in transforming people so we can collectively lead change into the future for our children.

As the owner of People Builders, a diversity, equity and inclusion consulting organization, I have been able to support elected officials and area nonprofits so the solutions they offer on affordable housing, family support, and improved services are based on what is needed. I have run countless listening sessions with people in Ward 4 and understand their needs because I actually do listen to what keeps them awake at night.

A concern for so many Ward 4 residents is public safety. We have all attended many town halls on gun violence - especially after a devastating loss of a community member. There is often a focus on the specific incident and addressing the obvious - more lighting in a neighborhood or more police patrols. But when do we take a deep dive into connecting ALL the intersectional issues that killed that son, daughter, mother or father? With a shortage of transportation; jobs; food stability; recreation opportunities for youth, so many are isolated and in survival mode. Instead of investing in the police and prison, let's focus on the proactive solutions so EVERYONE will be safer:

Opioid addiction affects families from all walks of life. Instead of punishing addicts, providing behavioral health support can set one on the right path.

Leadership development, skills building, and job training keeps people off the street and invest in their families and communities.

Let's invest in people not systems. In the past year, I have led two leadership cohorts and trained 27 local women to share resources, empower each other and their families and challenge the systems that for so long have kept them in poverty and without a voice. These women are now starting their own businesses, enrolling in school and setting goals for home ownership.

One of the biggest challenges in Annapolis is affordable and fair housing. Our local public housing is killing people because of mold conditions. Look it up. So many have to move outside of city limits because our current city planning. Where is the plan to grow housing for middle class residents? The plan to provide a path for those to transition from public housing?

We can do better, Annapolis. I have been so honored during this campaign to meet hundreds of residents from every community in Ward 4. This is where the job of an elected official must begin. This is why I will always bring the needs of residents of our city with me to everything I do - the conference tables of developers; local businesses; schools and City Hall. We are the People's Campaign.

Toni Strong Pratt is running for Annapolis City Council in Ward 4. She's facing incumbent Alderwoman Sheila Finlayson in the democratic primary Tuesday.