Newark has a Public Safety Director who handles policing, operations, and the day to day strategies. My role as mayor is to shape the environment that produces safety in the first place. People commit crime when they feel excluded, broke, and disconnected, and I want to reduce those conditions.

I will focus on making Newark more affordable, expanding youth and adult activities so people have real outlets, building a stronger local economy, and creating programs that keep residents engaged instead of bored and desperate. Safety comes from stability, opportunity, and a sense of belonging.

Safety is also about physical urban design, which affects how people move, gather, and feel in their environment. That includes street lighting, sidewalk quality, traffic patterns, building placement, public space design, parks, crosswalks, visibility at corners, abandoned buildings, and how active or inactive a block feels. Good design reduces blind spots, increases foot traffic, supports local business activity, and makes neighborhoods feel alive instead of empty. These elements directly reduce chances of conflict or dangerous situations. I plan to modernize these systems with urban planners, technologists, and passionate Newarkers who understand how our city functions at the block level.

I believe Newark’s success and my personal reputation are inherently aligned. By putting Newark first and focusing on the collective good of our residents, I will gain the trust and respect of the city, which is far more valuable than any personal gain. My goal is to ensure that every decision benefits the city and its people.

I will take a firm approach with outside interests, making it clear that Newark is not just a place to make money. Anyone doing business here must prioritize contributing to the city’s growth, supporting its residents, and strengthening the community. Newark’s overall success will always come first, with individual success following as a result.

It starts with building an efficient feedback loop between residents and City Hall. We need a system where people can share their problems, their ideas, and their solutions in real time. I plan to create structured ways for residents to submit issues, propose ideas, and collaborate directly with my team. From there we work together to design solutions, test them, refine them, and scale what works. The goal is an iterative process where residents help shape the outcomes instead of being ignored until election season.

We will promote accountability and transparency by opening the entire system to the public. First, we will implement technology similar to Checkbook NYC so residents can track how every government dollar is spent and see the decisions behind each contract and expense. Second, we will create a platform where residents can leave reviews for city employees and agencies, similar to Yelp, so the public can rate performance and service quality in real time. Together these tools create constant oversight, build trust, and make sure leadership stays accountable to the people they serve, not to internal networks.

I love Newark’s infrastructure, including its transportation networks, and we are inspired by our rich history of innovation, arts, and activism. Most of all, I admire the resilience and authenticity of our people, who continue to push Newark forward despite the challenges they face. Although it feels like we’ve faced some of our toughest moments, I believe this is our opportunity to rise stronger and move forward together.

I’ve created an initiative called MESA (Mentoring, Education, Sports, Arts) to inspire the youth of Newark and equip them with the skills they need to succeed. The goal of MESA is to provide young people with the tools to go out in the world, learn, and then bring their knowledge and experience back to uplift our city. Through Mentoring, they will connect with role models who guide them on their journey. Education will empower them with the critical skills necessary for academic and career success. Sports will teach discipline, teamwork, and provide physical outlets, while Arts will nurture their creativity and self-expression. MESA is designed to inspire the youth to not only achieve great things but to reinvest in Newark, ensuring a brighter future for themselves and their community.

To create more low-income housing, I plan to advocate for cooperative housing models that allow residents’ rent payments to contribute toward community ownership of their units. This approach not only provides affordable housing but also empowers residents to build equity and have a stake in their living spaces. Cooperative housing has been successful in countries around the world, and it’s time we bring this innovative solution to Newark. By working with local developers, nonprofits, and financial institutions, we can establish co-ops that keep housing affordable, strengthen communities, and ensure long-time residents can remain in Newark.

I will rely on both qualitative and quantitative data, ensuring decisions are informed by facts. I also prioritize inclusivity by listening to as many perspectives to come to the most sensible decisions.

I have plans to make the Newark the amateur sports hub of the world. By leveraging our existing infrastructure, like swimming pools, stadiums, and parks, we can attract regional, national, and even international sports events. This would not only bring in visitors and boost local businesses, but also create job opportunities and showcase Newark as a center for youth sports.

On top of that, we can offer programs that help local residents find jobs in sports, hospitality, and event management, further strengthening our economy. Making Newark a sports hub will drive growth while creating new opportunities for residents.

Learn more about our Newark Amateur Sports plan.

Success means creating more jobs, improving overall wellness, and ensuring residents are safe, healthy, and thriving.

My vision is to make Newark one of the most visited and desirable cities in the world. Newark has to become a place where people come to experience our vibrant culture, economic opportunities, and rich history, while residents enjoy a high quality of life in a thriving city.