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Experience is one of the greatest assets a commissioner can bring to public service. Understanding our history provides important perspective — it helps us recognize how we arrived at where we are today, learn from past decisions, and identify what has worked well and what areas may need improvement. That knowledge allows for more thoughtful and responsible decision-making.
My professional background comes from a thirty-year career in the financial management field, where I developed extensive experience in financial analysis, budgeting, long-term planning, and debt issuance. These skills have provided me with a strong understanding of the financial responsibilities that come with serving as a commissioner. I have been able to apply that knowledge by evaluating financial issues carefully, asking the right questions, and making decisions with confidence and a focus on fiscal responsibility.
Serving on the Anderson County Commission has been a privilege, and I believe my combination of historical perspective, public service experience, and financial expertise allows me to bring a unique and valuable viewpoint to the role. If given the opportunity to continue serving, I will remain committed to using my experience to help make informed decisions that benefit our community and its future.
One of the most urgent infrastructure needs facing Anderson County is continued improvement and expansion of reliable broadband access. While progress has been made, dependable internet service remains a significant issue for many citizens, particularly in the rural areas of our county.
The importance of broadband access was brought into clear focus during the COVID-19 pandemic, when students were required to participate in online learning while schools and classrooms were closed. Many students without reliable home internet had to find alternative locations — sometimes driving to library parking lots or fast-food establishments — just to complete assignments or attend classes virtually. That is not the level of access we should expect for students in a community that values education and opportunity.
Reliable internet is also increasingly essential for adults and families. Many everyday activities that are often taken for granted depend on consistent connectivity, including telehealth appointments, financial services, employment opportunities, access to government resources, and timely weather and emergency information. Broadband is no longer simply a convenience or luxury; it has become a basic component of participating fully in modern life.
Although improvements have been made and efforts continue to expand service, every household without reliable internet access represents a resident who is at a disadvantage. Continued investment and collaboration to improve broadband availability throughout Anderson County should remain a priority so that all citizens have the opportunity to learn, work, and stay connected.
My understanding and opinion regarding book restrictions in public schools and libraries is shaped both by history and by my personal experience as a parent. Throughout history, efforts to ban or restrict books have occurred for many different reasons, and the debate is not a new one. In fact, the history of book banning in North America goes back to a 1650 pamphlet that questioned Calvinist doctrine.
My perspective on the value of books was strongly influenced by raising my daughter and encouraging her lifelong love of reading. I believed in exposing her to challenging books, important books, and stories that helped her better understand the world around her. Books have the ability to introduce young readers to different perspectives, difficult topics, and experiences beyond their own. Many of the books she read while growing up explored complex issues involving history, race, hardship, relationships, and the human experience. Titles such as The Kite Runner, Like Water for Elephants, Anne Frank, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, and works by authors such as Jodi Picoult helped shape her understanding of the world and contributed to her becoming an engaged and thoughtful reader. My grandaughter has autism, and her mother’s world experience has helped in raising her.
I also believe parents have the important role in guiding what their own children read. Families have different values, perspectives, and expectations, and parents should have the ability to make decisions for their children. However, I do not believe one parent’s decision should automatically determine what every other child in the community is allowed to access.
Public schools and libraries serve a broad community, and their role is to provide access to information, encourage learning, and support literacy. As a commissioner, I do not believe it is my responsibility to determine what is appropriate for every individual child. That responsibility belongs first with the parent.
My opinion of Rails to Trails proposals is shaped by both personal experience and an understanding of the potential benefits and concerns that come with these projects. The Monon Trail of Indiana has become a tremendous example of how a trail can positively impact a community. Contrary to the concerns some originally had, the Monon Trail helped bring investment, redevelopment, housing opportunities, and economic growth to areas that had experienced decline. It created a space where people could combine outdoor recreation, exercise, social connection, and local businesses. The trail now connects historic neighborhoods, the city’s downtown area, and the community of Carmel, attracting more than a million visitors each year.
I also understand that the proposed Rails to Trails project involving Anderson County is a more complex discussion. Much of the proposed trail would pass through rural and previously undeveloped areas, and some residents have understandably had concerns about what impact a trail could have on their communities. Many of those concerns were based on uncertainty about how a trail might affect the character of the area and what benefits it would actually bring.
However, after residents visited successful examples such as the Virginia Creeper Trail, many gained a firsthand understanding of the opportunities these projects can create. A trail is not simply a path for recreation; it can become a catalyst for tourism, small business growth, community pride, and new opportunities for future generations.
One of the most compelling comments I heard came from a resident who expressed concern that their small community was declining and asked what could be done to keep young people there by creating jobs and opportunities. That perspective captures why I believe this proposal deserves serious consideration. While Rails to Trails projects can be challenging to explain and build support for, I believe the potential benefits are significant.
