City of Palo Alto
Greer Stone
As a mayor and public school teacher, my mission is to ensure every child and family in our community thrives by prioritizing and expanding equitable access to mental healthcare, education, and affordable housing.
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Over 80% of voters polled say they want elected officials to prioritize children and families. What are the top three issues affecting our children and families and how will you make our region a place where all families can thrive?
The top three issues affecting children and families in our region are access to affordable housing, mental health support, and quality education. First, I'll continue my work to increase the availability of affordable housing so families can live and thrive in our community, including implementing an eviction moratorium on families with school-aged children. Second, I'll prioritize mental health by expanding services and support systems for children and families, ensuring a healthy, supportive environment for all. Finally, as a public-school teacher, I understand the importance of investing in educational resources and opportunities for every child.
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High quality childcare improves school readiness and parents' workforce participation. What will you do to improve access to high quality childcare and preschool programs in our diverse communities?
To improve access to high-quality childcare and preschool programs, I will advocate for increased funding for early childhood education programs, such as universal preschool initiatives. I will also support partnerships between local governments and community organizations to expand affordable childcare options, particularly for low-income families. Currently, the City of Palo Alto provides financial help to the nonprofit, Palo Alto Community Child Care. I will continue to support and advocate for increased resources to help their mission. Finally, I will push for higher wages and professional development for childcare workers to improve the overall quality of care.
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Much of the student achievement gap has been linked to the opportunity gap that children in low-income families and children of color confront (e.g., lack of access to healthy food, preschool, tutors, and enrichment activities). If elected, what will you do to increase equity of opportunity?
As a teacher, I understand the importance of providing students with equitable opportunities and part of that is equity in technology and access to reliable internet. I’ve supported the city’s efforts to provide fiber-to-the-home and offer a city-owned internet with subsidies for low-income families. Furthermore, I will continue to support after-school and summer enrichment programs that provide tutoring, mentorship, and extracurricular activities, helping to close the achievement gap by addressing disparities in resources and opportunities.
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What steps will you take to improve inclusion and outcomes for children with disabilities and their families in our community?
I will advocate for better funding and resources for special education programs, ensuring individualized support and learning opportunities for all students. Furthermore, I will collaborate with community organizations to provide support services for families, such as respite care, counseling, and accessible recreational activities, so that children with disabilities and their families can thrive in a more inclusive environment. I have been a strong supporter and advocate for inclusive playgrounds such as Magical Bridge and the inclusive programing they offer, like their summer concert series. I’ve also supported affordable housing projects for families with developmental disabilities.
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If elected, how will you use the resources of your new role to improve children's well-being and access to mental and behavioral health services?
As the Mayor of Palo Alto, and a teacher, I have made youth mental health and wellbeing my top priority. I formed a taskforce on the night I became mayor to address this issue by identifying the top needs of our city’s youth and to recommend policy changes. Already this year, the city has committed to opening a new teen center, offering free rides through the city’s rideshare service for young people accessing teen and mental health services, and we have formed a Youth Climate Advisory Board so that young people can have a voice in our city’s climate and environment work. I’m also working with local universities to offer additional mental health support in our community centers.