Candidate Questionnaire: Kokomo City Council District 1
Nov. 1—Dave Capshaw
Work Experience: Did not answer
Question 1: What issue(s) do you see as the most pressing for the district you're running to represent and how would you work with the city administration to address them?
The most pressing issue for District 1 is the lack of grocery stores and pharmacies. I'm on a committee made up of clergy, local legislature and nonprofits. We have been working on correcting the food desert that exists on the northeast side of Kokomo. I look forward to the rapid growth coming to our community and the opportunities that will be coming our way. Kokomo has a bright future ahead of us.
Question 2: A primary power of the City Council is to write and enact local ordinances, or laws. What, if any, ordinances do you think the City Council should consider over the next 4 years?
Did not answer
Tashawnna Summers
Work Experience: My advocacy for justice is rooted in my lived experience. After losing my oldest son to gun violence four years ago, my spark for advocacy was born. This led me to create my nonprofit ALL OUT THE BLUE INC. as a way to advocate for those who have dealt with traumatic losses. My experience with my nonprofit prepared me to serve as your councilwoman. It has taught me about planning for the future, helping families get to a better place. It has given me the patience to accept the things that I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. In the same way that I advocate for Justice, I will advocate for the people of District 1.
Question 1: What issue(s) do you see as the most pressing for the district you're running to represent and how would you work with the city administration to address them?
The most pressing issues facing the Northside are poverty, not enough food & medicine options and an overall lack of attention. We only have one viable grocery store option and no locations to pick up medicine or health care items. Combo store chains like Dollar General are the only limited solution offered. Recent studies have shown that loneliness and depression are on the rise, and both are worse in cities like Kokomo. This isn't sustainable, and our community must offer solutions like utilizing our city recreation centers, creating activity groups and building community centers. We need safe indoor spaces for our constituents that everyone can access and afford.
I will collaborate with administration officials to establish an open line of communication. We will work together to address the identified, under-identified, and unidentified issues and explore solutions that are realistic and feasible for the citizens of the Northside. I will build relationships with other city council members and community organizations to form coalitions and advocate for my district's best interests. I feel that collaboration will amplify the impact of legislation and increase the chances of success.
I will establish open lines of communication with our citizens by hosting monthly meetings, giving surveys and reaching out to the citizens of District 1. This will allow me to gather their grievances, concerns and suggestions about our district's priorities, and I will work to support or introduce legislation that address these priorities to give these citizens their voices back.
Question 2: A primary power of the City Council is to write and enact local ordinances, or laws. What, if any, ordinances do you think the City Council should consider over the next 4 years?
Based on the input of the unique needs and priorities of our citizens, I will enact ordinances that are highly relevant to our people. I have the best in mind when it comes to District 1.
1. I will look at affordable housing for the current citizens who are plagued with homelessness, lower income, and government issued housing & vouchers. I will consider ordinances promoting the development of affordable housing units, rehabbing vacant properties, safeguarding against growing property costs & gentrification, protecting tenants' rights, encouraging the usage of inclusionary zoning policies, and prohibiting discrimination.
2. I will look at economic development. I believe in supporting the economic growth of current businesses that are an active part of our community. I think that a better streamlined permitting process would reduce procedures and expedite routine applications. I would require community investments from those who look to own or build in our community and to incentivize investments for those looking to create jobs on the Northside. I would promote more entrepreneurship focusing on specific industries.
3. I will look at transportation, health and wellness. Many rely on our public transportation to carry out everyday activities that those with cars may take for granted. I will consider ordinances to improve the Trolley and Spirit of Kokomo. I will work to enlarge our grant to add more trolleys, extending routes and service times. I would update the cleaning measures by offering masks, sanitizer wipes, and possibly gloves.
