Bringing Tenant Concerns to the Forefront

As I stepped into the Marblehead Housing Authority (MHA) candidate forum, the air buzzed with anticipation. The community had gathered to hear from the contenders vying for the open seat, and I couldn’t help but feel a tinge of nervous excitement. You see, I’m Kristin duBay Horton, a newcomer to the political arena, but a lifelong advocate for empowering underrepresented voices.

I opened my remarks with a bit of self-deprecating humor, acknowledging the curious path that had brought me, a Black woman from just outside Austin, Texas, to this quaint New England town. But beneath the lighthearted banter, my true motivation shone through: a deep commitment to ensuring that the voices of housing authority tenants are heard and valued.

As I told the forum, “I want to think about what folks are saying that they need.” This, to me, is the essence of effective governance – listening to the very people whose lives are directly impacted by the decisions made in the halls of power.

Fostering Collaborative Policymaking

My experience as a public health advocate has instilled in me a profound appreciation for the power of collaborative policymaking. During the height of the AIDS epidemic, I had the privilege of assisting the Centers for Disease Control in designing meeting structures that ensured all voices were represented. I saw firsthand how empowering it can be when individuals from diverse backgrounds come together to shape the policies that govern their lives.

Now, as I set my sights on the Marblehead Housing Authority, I’m determined to bring that same spirit of inclusivity to the table. I know that housing authority commissioners play a crucial role in the governance and oversight of local housing authorities, and I’m committed to using that platform to amplify the voices of the very people we serve.

Embracing Resident Engagement

One of my key priorities is to foster meaningful engagement between the Housing Authority and its tenants. As the organization dedicated to providing affordable housing solutions in our community, we have a responsibility to ensure that the needs and concerns of our residents are at the forefront of our decision-making process.

To that end, I plan to make meeting accessibility a top priority. As I told the candidate forum, “I know we’re all Roberts Rules folks, but Roberts Rules can be stretched to make meetings accessible for everyone in the room.” By adapting our processes to better accommodate the diverse needs of our tenants, we can create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for all.

But accessibility is just the first step. I also intend to actively seek out the perspectives of our housing authority residents, both before and after our meetings. Only by truly understanding their lived experiences can we hope to craft policies and programs that truly meet their needs.

Empowering Tenant Associations

One of the key ways I envision elevating resident voices is through strengthening the role of tenant associations. These grassroots organizations provide a powerful platform for tenants to come together, share their experiences, and advocate for change.

As a commissioner, I will work closely with these tenant associations, ensuring that they have a meaningful seat at the table. I want to hear their ideas, their concerns, and their visions for the future of our housing authority. By empowering these tenant leaders, we can tap into a wellspring of community knowledge and expertise that can truly transform the way we approach affordable housing solutions.

Fostering Community Partnerships

Of course, elevating resident voices is just one piece of the puzzle. To truly effect lasting change, we need to build strong partnerships within the community. That’s why I’m committed to reaching out to local organizations, community groups, and other stakeholders to collaborate on affordable housing initiatives.

By bringing together diverse perspectives and pooling our resources, we can develop holistic solutions that address the multifaceted challenges facing our tenants. Whether it’s working with local businesses to create employment opportunities, or teaming up with social service providers to offer comprehensive support, I’m confident that by working together, we can create a more equitable and inclusive affordable housing landscape.

A Vision for the Future

As I look ahead to my potential role as a Marblehead Housing Authority commissioner, I can’t help but feel a sense of excitement and purpose. This is more than just a political office to me – it’s an opportunity to be a conduit for the voices of those who have often been overlooked and underserved.

By prioritizing tenant engagement, empowering grassroots organizations, and forging community partnerships, I believe we can create a housing authority that truly reflects the needs and aspirations of the people it serves. It’s a lofty goal, to be sure, but one that I’m more than ready to tackle.

After all, as my father used to say, “being a good world citizen is the most important job we have.” And for me, that means putting the needs of our community’s most vulnerable residents at the heart of everything we do.

So, as the people of Marblehead head to the polls on June 11th, I hope they’ll join me in this mission to amplify the voices of our housing authority tenants. Together, we can build a more equitable, inclusive, and empowered future for all.