Campaign Phone
2165700549
I have chosen to run for Normal Town President (Mayor) in order to continue to push our community forward. A good leader is always reevaluating and updating the vision. The community has evolved and changed. However, the vision of its leader has not. One of the key characteristics of a good leader is the ability to be a visionary. A visionary is one who can get people to see the vision and people are excited to join. Not by force or persuasion, but the passion and fervor of the visionary is tangible to others. Others desire to come along. At a time of divisiveness, the vision of a THRIVING Normal is what will bring us together. We have fallen to divisiveness before, but I want us to be excited and passionate about our home again!
I graduated from Central State University with a degree in Political Science with a focus on municipal government. I have served 7 years on the Town of Normal city council.
In 1999, I was a part of Look Up to Cleveland sponsored by League of Women Voters of Greater Cleveland. A program designed for high school students to learn about and put together economic development plans for blighted neighborhoods in Cleveland. I have engaged in various opportunities since that time. I continue to grow and learn. With opportunities through the National League of Cities and the Illinois Municipal League, I have been able to work with mayors and city managers to solve problems and advocate for our communities.
The urgent needs of our community are housing, long term financial sustainability, and growing infrastructure needs. I am already working to find ways to address housing that is specific to the needs of the Town of Normal. We have to have a long-term solution for housing management. Long term financial sustainability is due to our growing community. More services and higher expectations exist with fewer dollars. We have to think about how to continue to evolve community development without overburdening the residents but also not providing less than what residents have come to expect. Infrastructure needs like road maintenance and water-sewer are becoming more expensive. I will continue to help look for resources to address potential gaps.
In 5 years, we will have made strides in improving our housing issue. We will restore community among one another seeing each other as neighbors. We will continue to work our debt repayment plan. We will be a leader in Central IL working to be examples in the areas of technology, infrastructure, town and gown relationships, council culture, public-private partnerships, community relations, and efficient and exceptional community development.
Data shows affluent communities have lower poverty rates but higher homelessness rates. Poverty does not equate to homelessness. Affluent communities, including normal lack the resources for transitional housing and transitional housing needs. We are empathetic to the need when we see it on the street. We lack the ability to follow through until a person is housed in permeant housing and is employed making a living wage. "Affordable housing" (below 80% AMI) requires resources in order to maintain. "Attainable housing" is above 80% AMI. I will continue to work at the state and federal level to address systemic issues that impact housing attainability and equitability.
I feel a deep sense of responsibility toward my community—to the neighbors I've grown up alongside and the new neighbors we regularly welcome to Normal.
As we face uncertainty in the years ahead, my experience and vast network across state and federal government is exactly what Normal needs right now. I know the community. I understand our local government. And I have the leadership and expertise to continue promoting stability, and to guide and grow Normal through strategic economic development.
I am an Army veteran. As a leader in Vietnam, my job was to keep my people safe and alive. I use my experience as a Vietnam veteran to inform what I do as Mayor of Normal.
I am a small business owner in Normal, and have been since 1978. As a small business owner, I know firsthand the value of hard work. And I know that to be successful, a leader has to pitch in. I understand financial management, how to make ends meet, and how important it is to support my employees.
And most importantly, I am the Mayor of Normal. Through strategic economic development, I have attracted billions of dollars in investment, created 10,000+ new jobs, and introduced new businesses and recreational/quality of life opportunities to Normal.
My top three priorities are public service, economic development, and addressing the housing shortage.
1. Public services: Public services are non-partisan. We should not play politics with things like public safety, roads, waste collection, snow removal, or clean water.
2. Economic development: Through strategic economic development, we should take advantage of exciting opportunities made possible by Rivian, Ferrero, State Farm, ISU, and more.
3. Housing: Normal needs strong proactive leadership to address our housing crisis. This isn't just about keeping up with growth. It's about making sure our community remains welcoming, vibrant, and livable for all Normal residents.
In addition to my top three priorities for Normal, I want to prioritize community-wide sustainability. We deserve a town that stewards all resources (including your tax dollars) sustainably so we continue to thrive and grow for generations.
I also want to continue focusing on transparency, because I believe we are better prepared in times of uncertainty when we have access to timely and accurate information.
I want to preserve the reputation Normal has now: this is a community that our children want to stay in.
Our responsibility as a unit of local government is to make sure our zoning laws and regulations are up-to date and do not stand in the way of development or growth. By investing in infrastructure, creating incentives for affordable housing, and working with developers to increase the amount of homes and diversity of housing types available, we can create a future where everyone has access to a place they can afford to call home.
Campaign Phone
(309) 531-1884
I’m running for mayor because it’s time for fresh leadership that looks forward, not back. I’m concerned that our current leadership is relying too much on past accomplishments rather than addressing the pressing issues that need our attention now. Residents are feeling this too. While gathering over 500 petition signatures, one message came through loud and clear—people are ready for change. With 10 years on town commissions and 10 years on council, I’ve built relationships, gained experience, and proven I can lead with common-sense solutions. This election is about ensuring we stay competitive, and building on what works while embracing a modern, inclusive approach that truly reflects the people we serve.
I bring expertise in key issues, along with collaborative and analytical skills to tackle the most complex challenges facing our community. I have served as co-chair of the McLean County Housing Coalition, working with shelter providers, schools, social services, and government representatives to address homelessness and housing needs. I have collaborated closely with local realtors and developers to gain a deeper understanding of the housing market's challenges. Additionally, I will leverage my industrial engineering background to optimize town services and maximize value for taxpayers. Endorsed by the Realtors, the Chamber of Commerce, and local firefighters, I’m committed to building an affordable, responsive, and safe community.
We must ensure our competitiveness and quality of life for all residents. Addressing the housing shortage is a top priority, including affordable market-rate housing through partnerships with developers, reducing bureaucracy, and offering targeted incentives. With increasing homelessness and housing instability, we must leverage existing tax revenue for mental health services, ensuring accountability. Emerging challenges, such as childcare gaps, strains on public safety, and ongoing rising costs, require a careful evaluation of our priorities and services to meet both current and future needs. Collaboration with key partners, such as our universities and Bloomington, is crucial to addressing these challenges effectively.
My vision for Normal is a thriving community where businesses want to invest and residents feel at home. Building on our strengths, we must address housing access, affordability, and emerging childcare needs. I envision a city hall that is collaborative, transparent, responsive to the community. We will work closely with Bloomington, businesses, and universities to create innovative workforce solutions. We will set clear priorities to ensure taxpayer dollars are used effectively, prioritizing public safety and core services. We will demand accountability for the mental health action plan funding to ensure it delivers measurable outcomes. We will be forward-looking and ready to seize future opportunities.
I will prioritize affordable and attainable housing to combat workforce leakage and retain ISU graduates. With housing costs rising, it’s crucial that we streamline processes to encourage and enable successful development. By implementing targeted incentives, we can attract developers who are committed to completing the much-needed housing projects our community deserves. I have innovative ideas for projects that will address the needs of the housing insecure, young professionals, and empty nesters, ensuring a diverse range of options for our residents. By making housing more accessible, we will not only improve quality of life but also strengthen our local economy and workforce retention. I am ready to get started.
