VOTE411 Voter Guide

I bring seven years of experience on the Marquette City Commission, including three years as Mayor, where I helped oversee a $78 million budget and guide long term planning for our community. During that time, I worked on housing, infrastructure, and economic development, and helped deliver projects like an inclusive playground, public art highlighting Indigenous culture, redevelopment of blighted properties, expanded lakeshore access, recycling improvements, and a downtown social district that supports small businesses. I also partnered on major decisions like selecting NMU’s president and improving trails and infrastructure. Combined with my background in human resources, I understand both policy and real world impacts. I am running to continue serving and give voters a clear voice in their representation.

One of the main challenges in District 3 is maintaining and improving infrastructure while keeping services reliable and affordable for residents. Roads, sidewalks, utilities, and broadband all require ongoing investment and thoughtful planning, especially as our community grows and ages. Another key challenge is supporting a strong and stable local economy that allows people to live and work here long term. Through my work in human resources, I see firsthand how workforce attraction and retention depend on quality of life, access to services, and economic opportunity. I would advocate for smart, strategic investments in infrastructure, continued regional collaboration, and careful budgeting to ensure long term stability. My approach is to focus on practical solutions that keep our community strong, connected, and accessible for everyone.

The 2040 Marquette County Master Plan calls for expanding housing while protecting the natural character that defines Marquette County. I support focusing growth within existing communities through redevelopment and infill, which helps use current infrastructure and reduces pressure on natural areas. My experience redeveloping underused properties shows how we can add housing while strengthening neighborhoods. I would also support a wider range of housing types so seniors, families, and workers can all find a place to live. I have worked on housing initiatives in Marquette County for over a decade and will continue to do so whether I am elected or not. I served on the Marquette Housing Commission from 2015-2017, as Mayor I personally institand the City of Marquette's first Ad Hoc Housing Committee in 2020, and I currently serve on Lake Superior Community Partnership's Housing Now Leadership Council. This complex issue is critically important to me, and to our community.

My communication style is rooted in being accessible, consistent, and honest. While serving on the City Commission from 2017-2024, I focused on clear and transparent communication, and I would continue that at the county level. I plan to use social media to keep the public informed of County-level happenings, and I am very responsive to emails, phone calls, and texts from constituents. I also truly enjoy meeting residents around the community and speaking at various events. I believe it is important not just to share decisions, but to explain the reasoning behind them and listen before decisions are made. I have an excellent track record of meeting attendance, as I take these elected positions incredibly seriously. Strong communication builds trust, and that means showing up, being straightforward, and following through on commitments to the people you represent.