Somersworth 2023 mayor candidate Kitara Maxey
Name: Kitara Maxey
Education: Current student at Southern New Hampshire University; bachelor of arts, political science, graduate at Sonoran Deseret Institute
Occupation: Leadership and development with a strong emphasis on financial services.
Political or civic experience highlights: I have sat back long enough as a Patriot not seeing any results and only further despair. I have found the fundamental knowledge that will help rise and financially liberate the people of this nation and this is my calling to take a stand and be progressive for the people. Together we will bring the political highlights we have been asking for. Together we can, united we stand!
What would be your top three priorities if you are elected?: Leadership and development with a strong emphasis on financial education. - Mental health
Ending hunger by 2026 - physical health
Community infrastructure - community health
What is the biggest problem Somersworth is facing and how you would solve it?: Our financial infrastructure needs to be rehabilitated. Our nation is dealing with a financial cancer and financial literacy is the cure. We can not move forward with dealing with past issues that still continue today if we do not tackle the one issue that stated it all.
The one big problem is many issues accumulated over time that grew out of control. To solve mental health, hunger, homelessness, drug abuse, climate control. They all tie to one big solution. We must first take accountability within each of us and begin to take action and implement the proper knowledge of financial literacy into our lives.
From there we will begin to see a positive change within the people, developing leaders with stronger critical thinking skills. This single action of giving the people financial security, will jump start the production of solutions with minimal obstacles and government assistances. Our town will set the stage for the next and inspire to become a financially inpendent city one citizen at a time.
Should the city work to create below market rate housing, and where is the best site?: Below market rate housing needs to be for all of us.
Should the council address the pace and type of development in the city? If yes, how?: Being a part of the New Hampshire network, the focus is on better building techniques. Construction will be a major solutions to the quality of climate change. Development of a new infrastructure that fits with climate action, needs to be addressed immediately.
Time is our most valuable asset and with a rising population and sea level we need to be prepared for what is to come in the next 30 years for our future generation.
As we begin to thrive as a self insured city and our greed is set aside, we the people, can afford to take the immediate action, with the proper tactics, to combat future issues. We need to be adaptable as future changes in the terrain will develop. With more citizens moving in, we need a critical way of housing and creating a walkable city. We look at other nations, such as Denmark, Switzerland, Ireland, where they use recyclable materials that also help with waste management by lowering expenses.
Future development should have a helping hand by our council. A strong guide to address dire issues in our city infrastructure that help be a positive platform for the citizens and business to comply.
Does the city need to make changes to its approach to parking as development increases?: Any prosperous city needs to have a fluent parking system. Congestion is a big battle any city will endure as population rises and tourist become more privy to what our town has to offer. If we desire to see a town thrive with more shopping centers, sports arena, and other attractions, let's focus on zoning and get a parking garage and a bridge to help with downtown pedestrian traffic. We do not want to add payment to parking, since we are on a mission as a city to help those become financially independent. We want visitors to feel welcomed and not rushed when it comes to visiting. We are not out to get your money should be a common wealth feeling when you visit our city.
What is the city doing well and where is there room for improvement?: Somersworth is a small city with a big heart, many dedicated outreach programs and local events that keep the citizens engaged, this is a sign of a healthy city. The spirit of Somersworth shines the brightest by bringing forth new development. The people need to feel more value in their lives and this is what I am passionate about bringing to the city. It's hard to feel inspired when all we are doing is trying to survive and manage all the obstacles life gives us. There is so much potential in the people of this city. It is time to give the people what they truly are asking for. Imagine what the city will look like when all 12,000 residents are financially independent, think of the switch in focus. The creative skills that can flourish with opportunities that will develop their dreams. The true vote is with the dollar, we need dedicated financial discipline so that we have more control over the development of a stronger infrastructure.
What is the city’s responsibility to its homeless population, both this winter and long term?: Who makes up the city is the real question, we the people. So who is responsible for the homeless? We the people have an obligation to help each other, it takes a village to raise a child and we are all some ones child. But due to the recent standards of society and the long-term financial sickness we all are in. It has been challenging to help when we are all fighting to survive. What can a city do to help set the change in motion, that will ensure to correct the injustices for being a victim to the streets. A temporary solution wont rehabilitate the fabric of society. Yes we need shelter of hope for those in need, also we need to have a healthy functioning society. Designing a small community where a person can begin to focus on transitional living. We have many programs available already set in action helping our state manage homelessness. What I propose is a dedicated transitional community for all ages and situations where you can live, work and heal your spirit. We need a dedicated place for the common wealth where they feel that they are contributing to society by developing the skills to become leaders in their lives.
Does the city need to do more to enforce codes regarding apartments in disrepair? If yes, what?: When we talk about leadership, we envision a go getting mentality that is focused on the task. When given a problem one does not panic but pivots to a solution. A community works best when we encourage business owners to take responsibility and hold them accountable for the business actions. We are trying to create a better economy for our citizens and we need to lay down guidelines to follow so that we can see our plan of action thrive. It does not help when you have to give a fine to a business who is already struggling. Let's embrace a code of ethics to follow and a program to be apart of that will keep integrity of the business owner and the city. The result can create an encouraging environment.
What should be done with the former National Guard property?: Recreation! Recreation! Recreation! This little slice of Somersworth can be a hot spot for the community. Imagine an indoor court for games, exercise, an indoor playground for the community during the winters. A place for seniors and camps to reside. A community pool that will bring everlasting memories while getting to enjoy outdoor sport events. A place for holidays and community gather. Also a little freight farm and farmers market that will help feed Somersworth, grow and eat local. The town needs a place of mental relief. Keeping the inspiration of a walkable city in mind. Somersworth needs a place for the youth that encourages physical activity and endurance.
This article originally appeared on Fosters Daily Democrat: Somersworth 2023 mayor candidate Kitara Maxey
