The residents in Orange will contemplate three major elections in 2024. One for Mayor and Council, another for the Primary and District Leaders, and the final, President of the United States.
As of January 29, 2024, I have been certified to be positioned on the ballot as a candidate for Mayor for the City of Orange. Many of you may be wondering why, and my answer is simple. Orange deserves better. The history, the families, the future of our children and businesses, have all been neglected for years.
As a council member, I have fearlessly pushed against the norm and the “business as usual” politics. I offered insight and support to improve our local government.
Let’s address the health disparities, cultural and social representation, businesses, and education. You should ask yourself, how often do you discuss the progress within your community? This should compel us to dig deeper on the issues that affect us locally, and who would be the effective choice in leadership.
The main issues in our community are taxes, parking, infrastructure, and community health. We need to introduce more homes and condo options. We need ADA modifications and sensory-friendly environments. We need in-house social services for our senior citizens, veterans, and the unsheltered. We need a senior center, recreation center, and medical facilities to restore the foundation.
Our communities have seen minor improvements in the last decades. The recent projects called for tax abatements and little to no community benefits. Yet, urban communities are still allowing a 5% rent control ordinance in a post-pandemic world. Where is the abatement or relief for our constituents? Many are living on fixed income and others will never receive a significant salary increase to afford a comfortable lifestyle.
Like my neighbors, I found a way to survive and teach myself new skills and trades to provide for my family. I know many can relate to this because a lot of the hustle we do on a day to day, was born out of necessity. The problem is that if you live in a city where the local leadership is not representing or listening to your concerns, all of the hustle and strife you endure to live the “right way” goes unnoticed, and you could easily find yourself pushed out of a community that you can no longer afford or enjoy.
Currently, I am the only Council member who has voted no on PILOTs. I do believe that all communities deserve development; however I am confident that if we diversify the construction and work with our local entrepreneurs and advocates, we could create a society that everyone could be proud to call home.
To quote a trusted colleague, we have to put the “neighbor” back into the neighborhood.
Your experiences help shape the community. I want to ensure that our community thrives and contributes meaningful milestones for many generations to come.
Let’s talk about affordability, or the dwindling units available to our hard working families. We have witnessed an acceleration in apartment buildings with their luxury price tags, but no additional parking. We need an organized parking plan and solutions.
Supposedly, the theory here is that increasing the population will improve our streets and homes. In my opinion, it sets the pace for a turnover and displacement. Orange, like our neighbors to the east and the west, is home to many entrepreneurs, educators, spiritual and social community leaders. Our Main Street and Central Valley districts are not reflective of the family owned business, and community vision.
The impact studies are generalized and don’t speak to the concerns in the community. We should be demanding different types of housing such as condos that would give more home ownership opportunities and balance the tax burden. We should be negotiating the development of Orange Memorial Hospital. My administration would implement a Community Benefits Policy and established a Community Participatory Budget Committee.
This site is the future of Orange. It is a community asset.
My goal for 2024 is to become the leader that includes my community in decision making. Not treat them like an afterthought. All projects should have a creative space to empower the residents to contribute.
It’s time the voters say no to mindless urban planning that creates a dense population with no efforts to increase quality of life. A lot is at stake here. This is a critical time for Orange, and this election could very well seal our fate and bring forth the “g word” – gentrification – that has plagued our neighbors in New York and Hoboken.
There’s a lack of historical data or references that can prove this will improve Orange. My recommendation: Bring in a business that will provide employment to your residents, and help them afford to live in these new developments. Imagine the revenue to a city from a 5-10 year lease with a reputable retailer or firm.
Bring creativity and design back to the community. It’s time we return to governing in the community’s best interest.
Orange needs more than buildings. We need commercial space for new businesses and medical practices. We should never remove single family homes from the tax map.
Good leaders look where others don’t. They bring out the best in people and amplify their voices and qualities. I am confident that I am a passionate, reliable, and innovative leader that will put Orange first without a question, and restore us to a community. I am committed to increasing strategic partnerships with businesses who are equally committed to develop a sustainable and an equitable home for Orange residents.
These are just a few reasons why I have chosen to run for Mayor for the City of Orange. I am extremely grateful for the people who have supported me in this journey, and I humbly ask my neighbors to consider electing me on May 14th.
Make your vote count and remember that voting is your voice. If you choose to remain silent, then you accept the same lack of quality of life and the same status quo. If you choose to use your voice, then you are demanding change for a better quality of life, better education, better public safety, better services, and a better community, for yourself, your family and everyone.
Yours truly,
Councilwoman Quantavia L. Hilbert
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