IDEAS

Fairness under the Law

• Bail should not be used as a punishment. Its purpose is to ensure the individual’s attendance at their next court date. I will prioritize the use of non-monetary conditions. In instances where cash bail is appropriate, I will properly weigh the balance between the individual’s financial status/ income and community safety.

• For minor summary violations, i.e. disorderly conduct and underage drinking, I will replace fines and fees with community service opportunities, treatment or counseling. However, for animal neglect, abuse and cruelty I will strictly enforce the law.

Quality of Life

• Quality of life issues are paramount in our magisterial district and throughout the City of Pittsburgh. There are various City ordinances that contribute to safe, clean, and livable communities. It is my intention to strictly enforce persistent violations that diminish the quality of life in our neighborhoods.

• My goal is to initially avoid assigning fines in order to allow for correction of the problem. However, I will assign fines and community service if the problem has not been corrected and persistent.

• Enforcement of City Ordinances/ Examples:

  • The proper storage of garbage and refuge keeps our neighborhoods clean and safe from rodents and stray animals, thereby preserving public health by avoiding the spread of disease. I will aggressively enforce City ordinances when citations are filed in my court by Permit Licensing and Inspection, or Public Works. Primarily, my goal is to initially avoid fines in order to allow for correction of the problem, and to assign fines if the problem persists and is not corrected

  • Private Property, especially rental investment properties, must be properly maintained, habitable, and up to date on safety regulations. I will give property owners a reasonable amount of time to correct reported issues. If for reasons, such as limited resources, elderly or people with disabilities, I will work with the City and community organizations in order to help the owner address the violations necessary to correct.

  • Nuisance Properties that are demonstrated to interfere with the residential character of the neighborhood, or encroach upon Community members private right to enjoy and use their property will be held accountable

  • Defacement of property, I will assign community service to individuals who graffiti private or public property and, if necessary, order restitution to pay for the damage they have caused.