Transparency Isn’t Just a Buzzword

In politics, “transparency” is often used so frequently that it can lose its meaning. To me, true transparency means allowing the public to see everything the government does—clearly, fully, and without spin.

Too often, information is softened or framed to cushion the public’s reaction. I believe we should deliver the facts as they are, letting residents form their own opinions and respond openly. Honest reactions are part of the decision-making process, and government shouldn’t try to stifle them.

As your Councilmember over the past 8 years, I’ve put this philosophy into practice: I’ve shared information openly, encouraged questions, held conversations with residents, and worked to integrate community feedback into city policies whenever possible. This is how trust is built—by showing that public voices shape decisions, not just commentary.

I believe civic engagement doesn’t end at the ballot box. Being elected doesn’t mean doing a job “your way”—it means working in partnership with the people you serve. I will continue to prioritize open conversations, listening, and making decisions that reflect the community’s voice.

Ideas – Senior Housing Project

I’ve Been getting asked what my ideas are for Duvall- and I do have them. Plenty. But here’s what I believe. The best ideas for our city don’t come from one person. They come from listening asking good questions and working together- with our community, City Council, and city staff. So instead of starting with a plan set in stone, I want to begin with a conversation.

One idea I’d love to explore with you is should Duvall have its own low-income senior housing project, similar to what the Senior Center in Carnation did?

A place where seniors can downsize, stay in town, and remain close to friends, family, and the community they love.

What features would make it feel like home — shared spaces, accessibility, or community gardens?

Share your thoughts — your input matters!

Intersection Spotlight: Woodinville-Duvall Rd & W. Snoqualmie Rd

If you’ve ever driven this stretch, you know the challenge: backups, tricky turns, and safety concerns. While this intersection isn’t within Duvall’s city limits, it absolutely affects our daily lives — and neighbors have asked me about solutions, including whether a roundabout might work here.

The good news: This intersection is already flagged in King County and regional transportation plans for improvements.

Options under study include:

• A roundabout (improved safety and flow, but requires more land)

• Turn lanes and channelization (focused fixes, less disruptive, but not a full solution)

• Signal upgrades (modern signals that adapt to traffic, though still stop-and-go)

Each approach has trade-offs. The final choice will depend on traffic studies, crash history, safety, and community input. Also, in the PSRC Regional Transportation Plan (2022-2050) appendix, Woodinville-Duvall Road is identified as a corridor needing operational and safety enhancements; intersection improvements are among the strategies listed.

What matters most is that we keep this project moving forward. With improvements already happening nearby on Woodinville-Duvall Rd — like bridge upgrades and corridor planning — fixing this intersection is the next big step toward safer, smoother travel for everyone.

I’ll keep sharing updates as the County moves into the study and outreach phase. Together, we can push for an improvement that makes sense for Duvall and the Valley.

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.