POLICIES
Currently our federal government is a mess! The powers that be are gutting all of our safety nets. The checks and balances we have all come to trust are not working under this administration. This is why I have decided to run for a local government office such as Councilor-at-Large. I see the need to protect our city and all its residents, especially our most vulnerable populations.
My three top priorities are People Over Profits, Affordable Housing, and Immigrant Justice.
PEOPLE OVER PROFITS
I will be a watchdog for city spending, making sure city funds are used for the communities who are living here, instead of making outside investors a top priority.
- As a City Councilor At-Large, I will look at issues though a “New Bedford Resident First” lens
- I will look for ways to protect New Bedford residents, as well as small “mom and pop” businesses from being squeezed out of the city
- I will support ordinances and make decisions that center on helping our most vulnerable populations
- I believe we can achieve greatness when we invest in and foster growth in our diverse communities
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
We need to be proactive and creative to help end homelessness. I want to investigate national programs we have not tapped into to help people find pathways to home ownership.
- Pathways to home-ownership for younger first time home buyers
- We will need to take a multi-faceted approach to find solutions to a complex problem
- Creative solutions for home-ownership such as making condos out of
multi-family homes - Utilizing vacant buildings in the city
- Enacting sensible rent stabilization programs to protect tenants from being out-priced from their apartments
- Adopting a “housing first” approach
- More family-friendly, safe shelters
- LGBTQIA+ safe, secular shelter spaces staffed by well-trained employees
- More outreach and education about housing services available to the community
- Accessory Dwelling Units (AKA in-law or tiny homes)
- I will look for ways to protect New Bedford residents, as well as small “mom and pop” businesses from being squeezed out of the city
- I will support ordinances and make decisions that center on helping our most vulnerable population
IMMIGRANT JUSTICE
New Bedford’s Immigrant community should remain protected and deserves more support within our city. The current situation with ICE ignores due process and causes an atmosphere of fear for citizens and noncitizens alike. Immigrants make our city better, adding diversity of culture, food, and art. Our neighbors deserve our care and support as part of the New Bedford community.
- The definition of an Immigrant is a person who resides in a country other than their birth country – it does not denote a person’s legal status
- Our city and our country was built by the labor of immigrants who deserve our respect
- I will support efforts to build better representation and resources for immigrants
- I will support green card residents as civil servants in our city
- Safe zones for noncitizens, such as schools and churches
- The New Bedford local police department should not be working for or with ICE
- As a city Councilor I will use my influence to ensure all immigrants are treated fairly by our city government
- Right now more than ever immigrants need us to stand up and protect their rights to due process and humane treatment.
ABOUT JENNY
My name is Jennifer Arruda, but feel free to call me Jenny.
25 years ago, I moved to New Bedford to attend UMass Dartmouth. After graduating with a BFA in Jewelry/Metals, I fell in love with New Bedford and decided to make it my permanent home.
While at UMass, I met my husband Joe and my business partner, Arianna. Arianna and I eventually opened a small art gallery in Downtown New Bedford where we make handmade silver jewelry and show other artists work as well. We have now been in business for 18 years.
We bought a two-family home in the north end of New Bedford. We share the house with Ari, her husband, and our son.
I have a fourteen year old son who is the light in my life. He has attended New Bedford public and charter schools. He is currently enrolled as a Freshman at Voc Tech.
I have always been interested in making our community the best it can be for everyone! In addition to running my shop I have held many part time jobs such as waitressing, personal care attendant (PCA), dog groomer, and working at the Children’s Art Lab.
I have been a member of Downtown New Bedford Inc and a partner in AHA! Through those organizations I have volunteered to make arts programing for the community. I will always join in a protest for anyone’s civil rights. I am an ally and advocate for the LGBTQIA community.
I have worked on several social justice campaigns such as:
- Paid Family Leave Act
- No BID in N.B.
- Women’s healthcare
- Sensible gun control laws
Most recently, I helped fight against South Coast Renewables trash transfer station in the north end.
I have raised money for the South Coast Cancer Patient and Caregiver’s fund by selling the Seagull Cinderella stickers at my shop. My husband and I used to put on beard competitions to raise money for local charities such as Mercy Meals. I believe my compassion and tenacity will make me a strong leader, and my creativity will help me organize with my fellow city council peers.
Please vote for me in the November 4th General Election.
I can’t wait to serve our community!
THANK YOU,
JENNY
DONATE
If you would like to support my campaign, you can donate to my Venmo link below. Thank you for the support!
CONTACT ME
If you have comments or questions, you can contact me on any of the following:
Jennifer Arruda for New Bedford
PHONE
(508) 817 – 1311