VOTE411 Voter Guide

The never-ending Main Street bridge construction. The mess with replacing the Riverside Park bathrooms. These are just a few of things pointing to a need for new management - management with the experience and knowledge to get things done the right way. We don't have enough good-paying jobs and we need more. Creating new jobs is about supporting the businesses we have, including our downtown, and encouraging local entrepreneurs to start new businesses. Lastly, we need more houses - houses affordable for everyday people. We don't need expensive apartments funded by millions of dollars of taxpayer money. We need houses where families can raise children, and neighborhoods that build a sense of community.

City government needs to be accountable to taxpayers. That starts with taking responsibility and not avoiding the hard issues. Next, government needs to lead the change, not preserve the status quo. All this needs to be done in a way that is open, clear, and transparent. I have common sense and I'll speak up when what's going on just doesn't make sense. I ask questions and dig into the details to find out what's really going on. I won't be a rubber stamp and will stand up for taxpayers. With my prior experience, I have practical ideas on how to start fixing things. And I know how to bring people together to change things for the better.

The most pressing social service issue is educational achievement. However, the city government is not directly responsible for this - the school board is. What city government can do is work cooperatively with the school board to support them where needed. Sadly, the relationship between the city government and school district has worsened over the last 6 years. We need to work together to make it better.

My priorities are: 1. Affordable Housing of all types--single and multi-family. This is not an easy option in today's market with new housing costs and is where we need to get creative to meet the needs. 2. Long term, smart infrastructure. I feel the city has been headed in this direction under Mayor McFarland and would like to continue on with this path. Proactive planning while still retaining funds for those immediate needs that come up. 3. Continued focus on a vibrant, attractive downtown and riverfront. 4. Attracting quality employers with livable wages and benefits to the city. 5. Kindness, compassion, and civility.

This is a very good question. I've seen the effects of the lack of civility at times in our community and others, and it's heartbreaking.

I believe strongly in lifting everyone up versus tearing some people down. We are all in this together. When problems arise, we need to look into the "why" of the issue instead of trying to establish blame with the "who". Once you have the root cause you can fix it and prevent it from happening again.

I'd rather focus on long-term sustained progress than "hot topic" issues that are just distractions from getting real work done. The important issues aren't always exciting, but they are what makes or breaks a city.

Lastly--I'll work to really listen to those I represent and to not judge.

Affordability of living is the most pressing social issue. It includes housing, healthcare, food, utilities, childcare, eldercare, etc. So many live from paycheck to paycheck. Folks have not had their wages keep up with inflation. Even those who have even received relatively healthy wage increases have had those offset by increased costs in their healthcare benefits and/or higher deductibles that actually reduces their take home pay.

Lack of affordability leads to the unhoused, increased need of food pantries, family strife, long term illness for things that could have been prevented, crime, and even escapism with alcohol/drugs.

Attracting quality employers and reasonable housing is a start. Also need strong schools for our children.