Believes revitalization can't be achieved until neighborhoods are safe and clean. Would listen to citizens groups about infrastructure improvements. Would work to gain more funding for nonprofit groups such as the Alliance for Building Communities and the Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley, which promote home ownership. Would take advantage of the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development's offer to give the city properties for free if they could be restored within 90 days. Would establish a list of federally approved contractors that could step in quickly to restore homes within the allotted time, thereby saving the city money.
Believes deconverting from apartments to single-family homes is key.
Would attend neighborhood group meetings and work to create a spirit of volunteerism. Would strictly enforce the landlord licensing ordinance. Would encourage home ownership and deconvert apartments to single-family homes. Would enforce laws prohibiting tenants from trashing apartments. Would create a citywide neighborhood council over which the mayor would preside.