ToyA Johnson

Candidate for Des Moines City Council, Ward 4

NLC Des Moines
Nov 1 · 5 min read
Photo from the candidate’s Facebook page.

Does the city adequately support public and active transit, such as DART and bicycle/pedestrian infrastructure? Explain why you think so. ‘

I think we are moving towards adequacy. However I would like to see Dart expand service times to cover those who may work third shifts. I would also like to see more routes that provide access to areas where there is a lack of service. I think that Des Moines has provided an adequate amount of bike trails. The ability to travel has a direct effect on self sufficiency.

How can the city government help people experiencing homelessness connect with the resources they need?

If elected I would seek to address the issue by creating the Housing Action Network of Des Moines and Urban Populations or H.A.N.D U.P. The focus would be creating a network that deals with housing issues at all levels. The network would be a collaboration between public and private businesses, organizations and agencies and the people of Des Moines. The goal would be to provide a pathway to housing and address the issues that are barriers to successfully maintaining adequate housing.

Would you support a racial profiling ordinance that includes an accountability component, and what do you think that accountability should look like?

Yes. I think accountability starts with removing discretion and enforcement of consequences for those who abuse their position. I think that by removing laws and ordinances that impede on the rights of the people guaranteed by our constitution that we could see vast changes. I would advocate for better training of law enforcement as well as all those involved in the judicial system. That training would include an annual training on the constitution, diversity, conflict resolution, de escalation and implicit bias. I would be advocating to remove laws and ordinances that are nonviolent victimless “crimes”, that create in essence criminals and debtors prisons. I will be advocating for a citizens review board that has the power to subpoena and investigate claims of misconduct. I will also be proposing that officers carry professional insurance and develop a plan to repay the taxpayers who have to pay out settlements for official misconduct. I would be advocating for the legalization of hemp and cannabis and redirect our law enforcement resources to violent crimes. I will be focusing on harm reduction and providing a pathway to services for those suffering from disabilities, mental illness and homelessness. I would work with community agencies and organizations that already serve the community to find ways to expand the number of people served. I believe racial disparities need to be addressed through collaboration and a comprehensive plan to be effective.

What is the role of city government in promoting gun safety?

The government’s role in promoting gun safety is to provide information and education on protecting your property and loved ones from harm. That information should include knowing your constitutional rights, organizations that offer adequate gun use training and what to do in the event you have to use your weapon. Criminals do not care about the law, and making it harder on and criminalizing law- abiding citizens that want to protect their property and loved ones.

What concrete actions would you take to create safer communities?

Addressing the issues that create an environment that promotes crime, such as drug addiction, homelessness, hunger, previous incarceration, mental health, lack of education and access to resources.

What is the next concrete step YOUR city council should take to demonstrate leadership on climate change?

I believe the next step the city council should take to demonstrate leadership on climate change include the strategies previously listed as well legalization of hemp and cannabis in the city, as both plants are known to be environmentally friendly and healing to our land, air and water. I think we should also increase fines and collection of those fines against those businesses that are known contributors to the pollution of our city.

How do you plan to promote inclusive practices across city departments?

While immigration is in my opinion is technically a federal issue, I believe it should be handled by the state and the communities in which immigrants and refugees are in or seeking to be in. I think that the city should create a uniform standard of engagement across its agencies that ensure people are treated with respect, dignity and understanding as well as provide access to resources (when available) and information to make the transition smoother.

What will you do to help your city increase its supply of affordable housing to people of low and moderate incomes?

Create a Housing Action Network, that coordinates resources and services. I would bring back the dollar house purchase program and other certain abatements. I would work to bring tiny homes communities as well as conversions of building no longer in use for housing, I think there are so many things that we can do to address affordable housing issues but in order for it to be effective we have to be able to collaborate.

Bridging the Gap (BTG) is a project of the Des Moines Civil and Human Rights Commission that seeks to create collaborative solutions for a growing city in four areas, 1. quality, affordable, stable housing; 2. economic stability; 3. city programs and workforce demographics; and 4. ongoing, mandatory training for all city staff.

Which of the four recommendations would be your top priority for civil rights, and how would you activate implementation?

Economic Stability- I think when we address the barriers to people being self sufficient and taking care of their families we can address many of the other problems that exist. To implement I would start by reviewing programming currently available and build from there. I also understand there will be many aspects that will need to be taken into account so I would create partnerships whenever possible. I would advocate to expand assistance to programs that are making an impact already, as well as provide opportunities for new organizations that bring innovation to education, employment opportunities and reduction of barriers.

New Leaders Council Des Moines and New Leaders Council nationally do not endorse or oppose candidates and are providing this information to you for your information as a public service. Read our post about this project for complete details.

New Leaders Council Des Moines

Posts and information from the Des Moines chapter of New Leaders’ Council.

NLC Des Moines

Written by

New Leaders Council (NLC) is the hub for progressive Millennial thought leadership. The Des Moines chapter was established in 2010.

New Leaders Council Des Moines

Posts and information from the Des Moines chapter of New Leaders’ Council.

Welcome to a place where words matter. On Medium, smart voices and original ideas take center stage - with no ads in sight. Watch
Follow all the topics you care about, and we’ll deliver the best stories for you to your homepage and inbox. Explore
Get unlimited access to the best stories on Medium — and support writers while you’re at it. Just $5/month. Upgrade