Joy Jennings for Spring Arbor Township Trustee

Spring Arbor is a desirable place to live and work, and this should be enhanced and protected through our ordinances, zoning, and resource allocation. Individuals and families of all types should feel welcome and able to create a home. Working class families should not feel an undue burden from ordinances. Local businesses should feel supported by the community to thrive. Thus, I support measures which would promote Spring Arbor to expand its accessibility to people and businesses.

The COVID-19 pandemic left our world with a lack of social opportunities for people of all ages, and we need to intentionally grow back our social ties and sense of connection. Social engagement has a strong impact on happiness and well being. This is influenced by strong relational bonds, social capital, and trust. The design of neighborhoods and zoning can have an impact on social engagement and sense of connectedness to one another.

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I would work to promote an increase in community events and social spaces. The library and recreation areas are essential resources for this, and additional assets, such a grant funded dog park, could increase social engagement.

Transparency is essential to build trust and ethical practices within government. Government is run for the people, and thus, it should be easy to stay informed and obtain information related to the functions within our township. I support accountability within each department, including police, zoning, treasury, police, and fire. I would promote transparent decision making, bidding, and planning while working to improve the accessibility of information especially in the digital age and for those who may not be able to access in person resources.

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Walkability has been linked to positive mental health outcomes and  improved quality of life. Many residents travel around the township recreationally through walking and biking; however, many of our roads outside of the business sector and trail are not safe to traverse with these methods due to lack of sidewalks or limited shoulder space. I support long term infrastructure investments to enable our township to be more walkable and to protect pedestrians.

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A trauma-informed approach entails responding to the effects of trauma on individuals and communities to enhance a sense of psychological safety and build resilience. As a mental health clinician and prior foster care worker, I have seen the impact traumatic experiences can have firsthand. As a government, trauma-informed practices can be integrated into regulations and enforcement to protect the most vulnerable and build a resilient community. This is especially relevant in the functions of emergency services such as police and fire who protect our residents. As township trustee, I would support programs and policy changes which embody the primary principles of this approach: trust, empowerment, choice, and collaboration.

Spring Arbor maintains many beautiful, natural resources such as our parks, trails, and agricultural land. Access to nature and green spaces has been linked to an increase in happiness; whereas, pollution of and limited access to nature can have the opposite effect. The township is entrusted with maintaining the parks and protecting the environmental impact. I would prioritize protecting our natural resources and limiting our adverse environmental impact.

Every resident deserves to have access to clean water and air; however, this is sometimes challenged by lack of infrastructure or accountability. Residents should be able to utilize water sources affordably. I would promote action taken to secure the quality of our water and air to ensure residents can remain healthy and happy.