Why Experience Matters in the Mayor’s Office

Being mayor isn’t just about cutting ribbons or leading meetings—it’s about knowing how to navigate complex systems, advocate for our city’s needs, and deliver results that improve daily life for residents.

That’s where legislative experience makes a difference. Understanding how policies are shaped, budgets are negotiated, and partnerships are built means we don’t lose time learning the ropes. Instead, we can move quickly and effectively to bring resources home to Duvall.

Advocacy experience is equally important. Our city doesn’t exist in a bubble—we rely on county, regional, and state partners for funding, infrastructure, and services. A mayor who knows how to advocate, collaborate, and build relationships ensures Duvall’s voice is heard and our priorities don’t get lost in the shuffle.

The role of mayor is about more than vision—it’s about turning vision into action. And that takes both legislative know-how and the ability to advocate effectively for our community.

That’s the kind of leadership I’m ready to bring to Duvall.

Throwback Thursday

Throwback Thursday to Washington, D.C. and the National League of Cities Congressional City Conference!

One of the most important parts of serving in city leadership is making sure Duvall’s voice is heard on the national stage. During this last trip, we advocated for keeping municipal bonds tax-exempt. Why? Because if they lose that status, it could mean higher borrowing costs for cities like ours, fewer resources for infrastructure, and even higher local taxes on residents—essentially taxing families twice.

We also supported the City of Carnation’s message about the importance of safety in warning systems and monitoring of the Tolt Dam, as well as the critical need for improvements like the roundabout on SR-203 near Carnation. In addition to these shared priorities, we always make it a point to inform our legislators of Duvall’s needs—both current and future—so they understand the challenges and opportunities ahead for our community.

Over the years, the specific advocacy priorities may shift—from infrastructure to public safety to financial policy—but the core always stays the same: working for the people of Duvall and advancing the best interests of our community.

Being in D.C. is always a powerful reminder that local voices matter, and that small cities like ours play a big role in shaping the future.