Biographical Information
County
Allegheny
Occupation
Chief Trial Deputy, Allegheny County District Attorney's Office
Education
Juris Doctor, Bachelor of Science in Journalism - University of Kansas
Qualifications
Criminal Prosecutor, Coach, Father, and Life-long Public Servant
X Handle
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians, and how would you address them?
My top priorities are to invest in our community, promote public safety, and address the mental health crisis. I will advocate for a plan to provide public transit options, rebuild and repair our roads and bridges, and invest in local businesses to create good-paying jobs. As it relates to public safety, I will be a strong advocate for proper funding for our first responders to ensure they have the training and resources necessary to do their jobs safely. I will prioritize access to mental health services in schools so that students can receive early intervention to help prevent the escalation of mental health problems, reduce the severity, and ultimately improve overall outcomes.
What changes would you support making to Pennsylvania’s voting laws to expand access, ensure security, and support local election officials and processes?
I believe we need to continue to protect access to vote-by-mail. Expanding access and opportunities to vote makes voting much more accessible especially in rural and elderly communities. We need to continue to invest in updates and funding to ensure that local election boards have the resources, technology, and staffing they need so that they can facilitate safe and secure elections. I would be in favor of making in-person voting more accessible on Election Day at the polls by passing legislation to make Election Day a state holiday in Pennsylvania.
What legislation would you support to comply with the Commonwealth Court's ruling that Pennsylvania’s school funding system is unconstitutional and must be reformed?
I would support legislation that increases oversight and reassess charter school funding to ensure responsible use of taxpayer dollars. I would support legislation that addresses funding inequities to ensure that all schools, regardless of socioeconomic status, have access to the appropriate resources. Any legislation to address the school funding system should also be done in collaboration with educators, school boards, and school administrators. A key piece of public education funding should also include early childhood education. Investing in early education can have long-lasting benefits for children. As such, I would sponsor legislation that expands access to high-quality early childhood education programs.
What changes, if any, would you support making to Pennsylvania’s abortion laws?
We need to protect access to abortion care and women’s reproductive rights. I would not support any changes that seek to limit or further restrict access to abortion in Pennsylvania. I would support legislation that seeks to strengthen the protections on abortion access and protects the right to privacy when making healthcare decisions with your doctor.