The Milford-Orange Times is continuing its election-year tradition of asking the candidates to respond to questions about what they would do for the residents of Milford and Orange if voters elect them. Election Day is Nov. 5.
Q: What do you think are the greatest challenges facing the district right now, and how will you help address them? Be as specific as possible.
MJ Shannon, Democrat, State House District 117
MJ Shannon
A: The 117th District currently faces several challenges that demand our attention and action, including affordability issues, environmental concerns like flooding and difficulties in securing proper education funding. Addressing these challenges is critical to improving the quality of life for our residents, and as your representative, I am committed to developing effective solutions that foster a stronger, more resilient community.
Affordability is perhaps the most pressing issue confronting our district today. Many residents, particularly young people, working families and seniors, struggle with the high cost of living. Housing prices and rents have skyrocketed, making it increasingly difficult for individuals to find affordable places to live. Rising costs for everyday necessities such as food, health care and transportation add to the burden on families trying to make ends meet.
To tackle this issue, I will advocate for policies that promote diverse housing solutions and support initiatives to keep housing costs manageable. This includes implementing zoning reforms that encourage the construction of more affordable housing units and providing incentives for developers to create mixed-income communities.
I will collaborate with local organizations and state agencies to ensure that residents have access to financial assistance programs, including rental assistance and first-time homebuyer grants. I will also push for policies that focus on economic development and job creation. By supporting small businesses and fostering an environment where they can thrive, we can create good-paying jobs that help lift families out of financial strain. Investing in workforce development programs, particularly in sectors like technology and renewable energy, will equip residents with the skills necessary for stable employment.
Environmental issues, especially flooding, are another significant challenge for our district. Climate change has led to more frequent and intense storms, which result in flooding that threatens homes, infrastructure and public safety. This not only affects residents’ quality of life but also has economic implications, as repairs and recovery efforts can be costly for both families and local governments.
To address these environmental concerns, I will advocate for comprehensive flood management strategies that prioritize both immediate and long-term solutions. This includes investing in green infrastructure projects, such as rain gardens, permeable pavements and wetlands restoration, which can help absorb excess rainwater and reduce flooding. I will work with local and state agencies to assess and upgrade existing drainage systems to ensure they can handle increased rainfall and mitigate flooding risks.
Promoting sustainability and climate resilience is essential. I am committed to supporting initiatives that encourage energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote the use of renewable energy sources. By working with local businesses and residents, we can develop community programs focused on sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Proper education funding is another critical issue facing our district. Schools are the backbone of our community, yet many educational institutions struggle with inadequate funding, affecting the quality of education students receive. Insufficient resources can lead to larger class sizes, outdated materials and a lack of support services for students who need additional help.
To tackle these challenges, I will advocate for increased funding for our public schools. This includes pushing for a more equitable distribution of state funding that ensures every school receives the resources it needs, regardless of its location or the income level of the surrounding community. Education should be a top priority, and we must work together to secure the necessary funding to support our teachers and students.
Engaging parents, educators and community members in discussions about education funding and resource allocation is essential. By fostering a collaborative environment, we can ensure that the voices of those most affected by education policies are heard and that decisions are made with the best interests of our students in mind.
The challenges facing our district – affordability issues, environmental concerns and difficulties with education funding – require immediate and focused attention. As your next state representative, I am dedicated to addressing these challenges head-on. By advocating for policies that promote affordable housing, investing in sustainable environmental solutions and securing adequate funding for our schools, we can create a brighter future for all residents. Together, we can build a community that values affordability, prioritizes environmental protection and ensures that every child receives a quality education. I look forward to working alongside community members, local leaders and fellow legislators to bring about meaningful change that will benefit our district for generations to come.