September Campaign Update

Friends - 

As we draw nearer to election day on November 2nd, I find myself thinking more and more about the power of relationships. Our collective goal is to strengthen our city - let’s start by strengthening our relationships with each other.

You may know by now that this campaign has six priorities. This month, we’re focusing on Public Safety and Downtown and Neighborhood Revitalization. You can read up on our other priorities on our website.

Over the past two decades of living in Lowell, I’ve come to better understand that strong relationships between the community and its public servants are at the heart of public safety at the local level. For years, I’ve been sharing my ideas on how we can keep strengthening this relationship. And, to me, the key to stronger relationships involves empathy and collaboration.

Although our public safety professionals make difficult decisions on a daily basis, at the end of the day, they are human beings. When the badge comes off, they may be the stranger we nod hello to at Market Basket or the person enjoying a meal with a loved one at the table next to you at your favorite restaurant. And so, we must make appropriate investments in the welfare of our public safety workforce and facilities. We must prioritize their wellness, morale, and emotional survival as taught by behavioral scientist and law enforcement specialist, Dr. Kevin Gilmartin. We must continually work to ensure the workforce reflects the diversity of the city and be proactive in promoting a culture of cultural competency, sensitivity and awareness. The latter is critical for both recruitment and retention. Lowell’s relationships are among its strongest assets and it takes hard work and communication between all stakeholders to build trust and public safety for all. 

Regarding Downtown and Neighborhood Revitalization, the present moment is a huge opportunity to strengthen the relationship between Lowell’s neighborhoods. The new election system ensures more equitable neighborhood representation on the City Council and School Committee. I am running for one of three at-large seats, and I am so excited by the opportunity to partner with leaders from across the city to ensure that every neighborhood in Lowell thrives.  And while our neighborhoods have unique strengths and needs, we share some important interests. Across Lowell, we need to address homelessness, vacant storefronts and spaces, aging infrastructure, safety, vibrancy and more. If you have not done so already, please check out my proposals for how Lowell can use American Rescue Plan funds to address these matters. I will work with all district councilors to meet their neighborhood’s quality of life priorities - whether that means maintaining or repairing green spaces, or investing in measures to curb speeding and improve infrastructure, I will have your back. We must do all that we can to ensure that our neighbors want to stay and invest in Lowell. 

Finally, I want to thank you for sharing your thoughts, concerns, and dreams for Lowell with me. I hope you know that I take your words to heart, and I’m listening. Please continue sharing with me - you can always reach me on our website.

Your neighbor,

Bobby Tugbiyele (2-B-L-AY)

At-Large Candidate, Lowell City Council