My name is Robert Emery. I am running for South Bend Common Council for the 5th District seat currently held by Republican David Varner.
I have spent most of my adult life advocating for awareness of and research funding for Myotonic Dystrophy, since my diagnosis 7 years ago. In my advocacy work with the Muscular Dystrophy Association and as a Citizen Committee Appointee on the Common Council, I have learned to recognize needs. Now I want to be in a position to address those needs.
I am running because I see a need for more adequate representation for the 5th District. Roads are crumbling. Long stretches of main roads (Ireland Road) are without sidewalks, creating a safety hazard. Too many storefronts are vacant. All of this has happened under the representation of Dr. Varner, who seemingly has been operating as an At-Large Councilman, instead of representing the 5th District who voted him into office.
If given the opportunity to serve the 5th District as Councilman, I will work to 1.) Address the infrastructure needs of the 5th District. 2.) Invest more in programs for our youth to deter them from crime and give them hope for a better future. 3.) Make the Council more accessible to the public by requiring Council members attend the neighborhood association meetings in their respective districts.
I am not naive to think that I can win this race without a fight. But South Bend is worth that fight. That is who we are. When an article is published saying South Bend is a dying, unhappy city, our city stood up with a righteous defiance to any label that might limit our potential. Throughout my life, I have fought an uphill battle with that same righteous defiance. Through being raised barely above the poverty line, holding part-time jobs throughout high school to help the family make ends meet, and forgoing college to work full time to help provide for my family, I have worked hard and fought for everything, just like so many here in South Bend. As your 5th District Councilman, I will work just as hard for South Bend. To create a united, stronger, and greater South Bend.
Thank you.
Meet the Candidates is a series introducing candidates in their own words. Articles are posted verbatim. South Bend Voice will publish articles for all South Bend office seekers who are on the May 5th primary ballot.
