“When we talk about civic engagement or people being aware, citizens being aware of what’s going on in their city and challenging or criticizing government or elected officials, first of all, I’m okay with that because I was that person, I still am that person. I don’t believe because I’m elected I can’t criticize. I don’t believe because I’m with a certain group of people I can’t criticize that group of people. There’s constructive ways to criticize. There’s ways to contribute to the conversation and to make sure that change actually happens.

I treat all citizens equal and alike, and I realize that I work for those citizens. It’s okay to criticize us. I mean, if you go into politics and don’t expect to be attacked or don’t expect to be criticized or don’t expect to be called a name or something, then don’t go into it.”