A few things

As ballots arrive, I’ve noticed heightened online discussion and some understandable questions about the city’s budget.

Maintaining fiscal responsibility is essential — I agree we should never shift new costs onto residents without careful scrutiny. But claiming a blanket “$2 million deficit” without context is misleading.

First, municipal budgets are made up of multiple funds; a shortfall in one doesn’t automatically mean a crisis across the board. Second, Duvall maintains healthy reserves and mitigation funds precisely to absorb swings. Third, promising “no tax increases, no burden to residents” may sound reassuring, but real balance often requires tough choices: trimming non-essential programs, renegotiating contracts, prioritizing capital projects, or phasing adjustments over time.

As a voter, I’d want to hear how a candidate plans to make those trade-offs — which cuts they’d propose, or how they’d involve the community in that discussion.

As mayor, I’ll continue to insist on transparency: show which line items are unsustainable, present real alternatives, and walk residents through the trade-offs. I won’t rely on slogans or vague assurances. If there’s a structural gap, we’ll address it steadily and openly — not ignore it. Because trust is built by showing your work, not by promising the moon. Our full budget is online and available to the public here: https://stories.opengov.com/…/published/6MBzSG4wW… I’ll be looking to make this information even more accessible and understandable for residents moving forward.

The City Council recently approved a 0.1% sales tax dedicated to public safety. You can read more here: https://www.duvallwa.gov/…/AB-25-46—Ordinance-1340-on…

As our levy that funds the School Resource Officer at Cedarcrest High School expires in December, it was essential to identify a sustainable funding option for that position and for our police department overall — both of which remain high priorities for our community. Unlike levies, which expire after a set term, this sales tax provides a stable, long-term funding source that ensures continuity in public safety services without repeated renewal campaigns.