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Knoxville is in the process of becoming what will define our trajectory over the next ten years, and beyond. This is not limited to our “development” but also how we value our neighborhoods, our established communities and our environment. I believe in a people up form of government. Too often, we are experiencing a top heavy decision making process that ignores the desires of our citizens. I also want to establish a Knoxville Women’s Council to address issues that uniquely affect our mothers, daughters and sisters. The future is in your VOTE!
Let's get to work, together.
WHY JANE?
Hi Knoxville…it’s me, Jane. I am proudly born and raised in Knoxville, TN. In fact, my family has lived here for more than 6 generations. I now live less than 2 miles from where I came home from Saint Mary’s hospital when I was born! I love my hometown, so let’s get down to why I am running for City Council District 4.
I have learned a lot about the ways Tennessee has become a place that is driven by corporate powers, not constituents. While big profits for the wealthy company owners increase, the living wage hasn't changed since July of 2009 for the workers. The price of a home and raising a family has definitely gone up since then, and many young families cannot afford to buy a home in Knoxville. Childcare costs average $1300 per month, healthy food is out of reach for some Knoxvillians and too many families are being evicted from their homes without anywhere to go. The increase of those living without access to shelter is more and more visible everyday. THERE ARE THINGS WE CAN DO AT THE CITY LEVEL to support quality affordable housing, neighborhood centered childcare, safe spaces for the unhoused and improve our eviction courts.
Safe and accessible outdoor spaces are an intricate part of any thriving community. This includes addressing trafic reduction starting with downtown and the surrounding neighborhoods. I would love to see the greenways we have, maintained with an intentional program to reduce/eliminate non-native species and protect our mature trees as we continue to grow and develop. As we are able to expand our green ways and bike paths, let’s keep in mind that these need to be true connectors to services, especially in neighborhoods where we create traffic reduction. WE must also keep in mind that this is not always an option for some. Our weather patterns, especially in the winter and hot summers, are not conducive to using exposed pathways. Not every family has bikes, or a way to transport bikes or the physical ability to rely on bikes as a real form of transportation.
I support the SMART GROWTH mode of development. This means that we start in our urban center first by creating walkable neighborhoods, reliable and frequent public transportation, mixed use housing, and accessible resources/services. Along with this model, we should focus on filing vacant and underutlilized spaces with vertical housing that includes commercial spaces at ground level. What do you think about our growth?
Listening and finding compromises that serve our communities is at the heart of this campaign. So much is being done to attract new folks to Knoxville but I believe we need to establish a strong infrastructure for those who are already here. When I hear “Quality of Life’ my first question is, FOR WHO? I really want to know what matters to you! After all, I am running to be your representative.
I have learned a lot about the ways Tennessee has become a place that is driven by corporate powers, not constituents. While big profits for the wealthy company owners increase (often from out of state), the living wage hasn't changed since July of 2009 for the workers. The price of a home and raising a family has definitely gone up since then, and many young families cannot afford to buy a home in Knoxville. Childcare costs average $1300 per month, healthy food is out of reach for some Knoxvillians and too many families are being evicted from their homes without anywhere to go. The increase of those living without access to shelter is more and more visible everyday.
And we are growing! How do we do that without compromising the very fabric of our communities and neighborhoods? It is possible. Lets talk about it and make sure that the motivation for our choices is the people of Knoxville. WHAT DO YOU WANT?
WHAT IS A WOMEN'S COUNCIL?
It's time for Knoxville to have a Women’s Council focusing on issues increasingly affecting women disproportionately under changing laws and regulation.
OUR FOCUS
-EVERY WOMAN IN KNOXVILLE WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO LIVE HER LIFE FULLY!
-WE NEED TO CREATE POLICIES TO SUPPORT THOSE OPPORTUNITIES.
-WE VALUE EQUALITY, RESPECT, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
Healthcare Education & Access
Justice and Legal Literacy
Economic Independence & Political Engagement
WHAT ISSUES ARE WOMEN FACING?
Women are now compromised without the protections of laws that prevent discrimination in the workplace, equal pay,
out of control child care costs, lack of affordable housing, limited healthcare and even safety issues. A Council on Women can help provide access to information and community that can support women with issues unique to them.
