Your Voice, Our Future

Since my first City Council run in 2017, I’ve believed the most important part of government is resident participation. I believed then—and I still believe now—that an elected official’s first responsibility is to listen to the people they serve.

Too often, government is judged by the final decisions. But what truly matters is the decision-making process. That’s where transparency, access to information, and meaningful opportunities for residents to participate all come together. And here’s the truth: if public input doesn’t actually shape outcomes, trust erodes. Meeting halls grow emptier. Faith in government fades.

That’s why I’ve worked hard to do things differently. As your Councilmember for the past 8 years, I’ve remained accessible, responsive, and committed to bringing residents into the conversation. I founded Citizens for Duvall (2016-2018) before joining Council because I know good decisions come from neighbors, not just city hall. And I’ve carried that same philosophy forward in every vote and every policy discussion.

As Mayor, I will continue to make resident participation the cornerstone of local government. Not just accepting public comment—but integrating your input into the decisions we make. Because your perspective is every bit as valuable as any elected official’s. We are all residents of Duvall, and every one of us deserves a voice in shaping our community’s future.

I’ll always be available to chat. I’ll always be listening. And together, we’ll make sure Duvall’s decisions reflect the values and priorities of the people who call it home.

I’m getting asked a lot…

A little rain (or even a downpour) won’t stop me from knocking on doors! One of the questions I’ve been hearing most often lately is: What political party do you belong to? In Duvall, both the City Council and the Mayor’s office are nonpartisan roles. That’s intentional—our focus is on local challenges like traffic, public safety, managing growth, and protecting the character of our community. These are the issues that impact us every day, and they deserve solutions rooted in Duvall’s needs, not national party politics.

That said, I also understand that people want to know where I personally come from. I’ve always identified as an independent. On social issues, I tend to lean more liberal. I believe strongly in fairness, inclusion, compassion and caring for the most vulnerable populations in Duvall. On fiscal matters, I lean more conservative, with a strong commitment to sustainability, accountability, and ensuring government remains the right size to do its job well without unnecessary expansion.

I don’t fit neatly into a partisan box—and I think that’s a strength in local leadership. It allows me to weigh each issue, each project, and each decision on its own merits and ask one key question: What is best for Duvall?

That’s the perspective I’ve brought to City Council, and it’s the approach I’ll continue to bring as mayor.

Lead with Love Part 7

Since early this year, I’ve shared my perspectives on leadership. When I talk about leading with love, I don’t just mean words—I mean action.

Love shows up in how we prioritize safety.
It shows up in how we design public spaces that welcome everyone.
It shows up in how we invest in programs that lift up families and support neighbors when they need it most.

Leading with love means weaving compassion into the fabric of city decisions. It means policies that reflect people’s real needs, budgets that reflect our shared values, and a city vision that reflects our hopes for the future.

Love isn’t passive—it’s active. It’s how we create a Duvall that doesn’t just work well, but feels like home.

Building a Stronger, More Connected Duvall

Safe streets, reliable utilities, and well-maintained stormwater systems are the backbone of a thriving community. During my time on Duvall’s Public Works Committee, I worked to ensure our city invests wisely in the infrastructure that touches daily life—from sidewalks and roads to water and sewer systems.

Our work wasn’t just about reviewing projects and budgets—it was about asking the right questions, planning for the long term, and making sure taxpayer dollars deliver real value. From prioritizing safe routes to schools to ensuring new development met infrastructure needs, I focused on both the technical details and the bigger picture.

Strong infrastructure isn’t just pipes and pavement—it’s about building trust, collaboration, and accountability. With thoughtful planning and teamwork, we can keep Duvall safe, reliable, and connected for years to come.

A Little Bit About Me

I’m not always the first to speak. Often, I’m the last—because I want to make sure everyone has had a chance to be heard.

For me, leadership isn’t about rushing to give my opinion. It’s about making space, listening carefully, and helping to bring people together around shared solutions. That’s how we build trust, and it’s how we make decisions that last.

This isn’t the style of leadership we often see in politics today—but I believe it’s exactly what we need more of. My colleagues on City Council have trusted me with the role of Mayor Pro Tem not once, but twice, because they’ve seen that I can facilitate conversations with respect and balance, even when viewpoints differ.

Leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room—it’s about creating the conditions for collaboration and making sound, balanced decisions. That’s the kind of leadership I’ll continue to bring as your next mayor.