Jessica’s Priorities
SCHOOLS
Chesterfield is the 4th largest School District in the Commonwealth, but its per-student spending is one of the lowest ($10,061/student) in the state.
Prioritize raising the per-student spending.
Collaborate with the school board when planning new schools and renovations to make sure there is room for growth. Children should not be learning in trailers.
Build a competitive pay structure for teachers and staff to encourage retention and security for years to come.
Jessica will:
TRANSPARENCY
There is a lack of transparency and community involvement in the current planning and approval processes.
Hold monthly community meetings within her district so that residents have opportunities to share concerns and hear about current cases in progress.
Lets bring back the Southside Speedway! Over 10,000 people have signed a petition in favor of saving this legacy landmark, and auto racing would be a great addition to the Genito Rd. “sports tourism” corridor.
Propose a campaign finance review, which would most importantly restrict BOS from receiving money from builders/developers/realtors that benefit from planning approvals made by the BOS.
Jessica will:
CONNECTIVITY & TRAFFIC
Traffic density continues to increase with every new development that is added to major roadways. This not only poses a safety issue, but also impacts commutes to work, school, stores, etc., costing residents time and money.
Support a temporary hold on planning approvals for large housing developments in already over-populated areas to allow time for infrastructure to catch up.
Advocate for alternative options for pedestrian accessibility, including sidewalks, trails, tunnels or bridges.
Prioritize expansion of the Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC) farther into the county, which would reduce the number of cars on the roadways.
Jessica will:
HOUSING
Growth is a natural progression of a prosperous community, but it must be done in a responsible and purposeful way.
Work with developers that are invested in our communities and willing to pay their fair share to offset costs for local services.
Prioritize affordable housing options so that everyone can Live, Work and Learn in Chesterfield.
Advocate to get the current legislation regarding proffers amended.
Commit to NOT take campaign donations from builders and developers because it’s a conflict of interest.
Jessica will:
ENVIRONMENT
Chesterfield needs to do its part to mitigate the effects of global warming and protect our natural resources.
Ensure that more “green spaces” are being protected or built into county development to improve air quality and reduce the regional temperature.
Continue to expand the solar installation initiative on all county buildings, including new and existing schools.
Reinstate the county recycling program by allowing the county to absorb the cost increase to residents to keep recyclable packaging out of landfills.
Promote the creation and approval of a climate action plan for the county going forward.
Jessica will: