"Seneca Strong", is a saying we have and I've found it to be true.  But I also believe that Seneca can be stronger.  if we build connections that honor our history while providing opportunities to enhance our future, our present community will become one in which all citizens enjoy opportunities for advancement.  If you asked me my greatest inspiration, it is definitely my grandparents.  And my greatest motivation, without a doubt, is my children.  My desire is to take a fresh approach to the way we do local government, so that I honor not only my own family, but yours, by creating initiatives that will serve to our seniors and our youth, so that equity, opportunity, and advancement can be attained.  

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Lekesha's Platform

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​ REDESIGN COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

My goal is to redesign community engagement approaches to ensure equitable input, so that all stakeholders are represented in city decision making.  One of the primary lessons I learned during my studies with the Satcher Institutes Health Equity Community Leadership Program, is that most often, communities know the solutions to their problems.  The issue is that they don't have the resources to provide those solutions.  My goal is to provide smart, innovative solutions that will make it possible for all stakeholders to not only have a seat at the table, but a voice in the room, so that issues can be addressed and equitable solutions found for our entire community.  

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My goal is to strengthen connections and create collaborations between our local government, schools, and local nonprofits, to ensure quality and affordable YEAR-ROUND youth programming.  Using this approach, we will seek funding that will support our efforts to increase youth's access facilities, activities, and programs that will increase our communities protective factors and thereby improve the overall outcomes for youth within our community.  Studies show that with protective factors in place, youth will experience higher graduation rates, less criminal activity, and improved overall physical and mental health into adulthood.  Investing in our youth is an investment in the future of Seneca.  And that's an investment we can no longer afford not to make.

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PRIORITIZING COMMUNITY HEALTH

The health of a community should be prioritized by its elected officials.  Public and community health go beyond the health of an individual.  "Public health problems need public solutions", so must address issues that negatively impact the health of our community.  Strong communities provide essential infrastructure necessary for individuals and families to attain well-being.  Addressing the basic community needs such as nutrition, housing, and sufficient income, can be done and the increasing issues that we've seen, including homelessness, food insecurity, and drug addiction, cannot continue to be swept under the rug.  There are many ways that local government can invest in community health.  Increased access to green spaces, upgrades to park and playground facilities, trails, bike lanes, improved and increased sidewalks, community gardens...all of these things can benefit the physical, environmental, and mental health of a community.  

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