Vote for not more than one (1)The Marquette County Board of Commissioners is the policy-making body with other groups carrying out county policies and/or advising the commissioners while they are in the process of making policy.One or more of the questions posed to candidates in this race refer to the Marquette County 2040 Master Plan. Use this link to view the plan: https://www.mqtcoplan.org/
Campaign Phone
906-203-2030
Education
BS Public Administration, Northern Michigan University
Military Experience
Current service member, MI Army National Guard. November 30th will mark 12 years of service.
Current Marquette City Commissioner and Former Mayor of Marquette. Come November I will have served six years on the City Commission.
Current Sault Tribe Housing Commissioner representing Unit 5 (Greater Marquette and Munising Area)
Sergeant in the Michigan Army National Guard, where I have held numerous roles such as Unit Career Counselor, Equal Opportunity Leader, Training NCO, Drug Prevention leader and many more. I have had two domestic mobilizations during my almost twelve years of service including volunteering to assist the Houghton/Hancock region in 2018 after the "Father's Day flood" and was also sent to Washington DC for almost 3 months following the attempted January 6th Insurrection.
Current board member for the MI Municipal League Foundation
Former two term student body President of NMU
Previous experience working as a local personal and small business banker and as a certified lender.
Current full-time role is in the Mining Industry.
Good Governance: Before policy can be discussed in a meaningful way, the County Board itself needs to operate differently. Decisions made behind closed doors, without public notice, input, or debate is not how a local unit of government is supposed to operate.
If elected, I will keep the public informed of what decisions are being considered and those considerations will be made in public meetings. These meetings are not to simply rubber stamp pre-determined agenda items, the Open Meetings Act exists for a reason. The public has every right to expect transparency and productive collaboration from their elected leaders.
Economy: Continue efforts to diversify our economy in Marquette beyond hospitality and tourism. Advocate at the State level for a local tourism tax, where the funds can actually be used to support the community. Continue to advocate for local control over short term rental caps.
Health: Work to improve mental health services and childcare
Housing: See next section
Since being elected to the Marquette City Commission almost six years ago, I have consistently fought for more housing options in our community. Items that I voted on as a commissioner have led to the development or planned development of up to 800 new units of housing in our community across a vast spectrum of price points. I will work with community leaders, NMU, Tribal Nations, and community organizations to continue advocating for more housing in the city and throughout the county.
Building Codes: This topic affects homeowners, renters, landlords, and small businesses. Bring plumbing and mechanical inspections back to county level instead of the State, who has one inspector for the entire UP. Work collaboratively so city zoning and county building permits can be streamlined. Tenants with concerns should be able to submit a simple online form that goes to both the city fire inspector, and the County building codes department.
I will communicate with residents in advance when major decisions are being discussed and explain my stance on votes that the commission takes via my public social media page. Additionally, I have maintained throughout my time on the City Commission my personal contact information being available on the city website, I fully intend on maintaining this if elected to the county commission. Most importantly I will communicate proactively and conduct myself in a transparent manner.
