VOTE411 Voter Guide

The Dane County Board can regulate zoning in towns that have not assumed village powers. I will use this authority to ensure that a sufficient number of homes are built to accommodate those new to the county and my many downtown neighbors who will move to these areas as they graduate from UW, advance their careers or grow their families. I will promote stability of housing by investing in public aid for civil legal services, which will help mitigate the power imbalance between tenants and landlords. I will leverage my connections in the state Capitol to bring state revenue (that we already paid through sales and income taxes) to Dane County, which will control the property tax burden and make homes more affordable for everyone.

I will protect our lakes, which are central to our community and identity, by pursuing science-based solutions to reduce nitrogen, phosphorus, and PFAS contamination. I’ll support tree planting and wildlife habitat preservation on county-owned lands. I’ll support policies that promote pollinator health—such as limiting mowing along county highways in May. I’ll also back evidence-based efforts to cut methane and CO2 emissions from the landfill. Smarter transportation and land use planning can reduce environmental harm. I support Regional Transit Authorities to expand public transit and reduce reliance on single-occupancy vehicles. I’ll work with legislators and staff in the state Capitol to make this happen for Dane County.

Voting rights in Dane County and other progressive communities are under attack by the federal government. In case the GOP Congress and Trump enact a law requiring documentary proof of citizenship to vote, I will remove fees for birth certificates and other vital records. Such fees would amount to a poll tax, which is unconstitutional. I can make a difference by advocating for more flexibility for the County Board under state law, which will be crucial to improving our county. As a staffer for the ranking member of the state Senate Committee on Local Government, I’ve studied and helped craft policy on state-local governmental relations for years. I will leverage this experience to deliver for Dane County.

I have 12 years of professional and volunteer experience in public service, and I am ready to get to work for my neighbors on day one.

I’ve been serving downtown Madison the entire time I’ve been here, starting with my involvement in the Associated Students of Madison. After earning my B.S. in Mathematics, I started working as support staff in the state Capitol. I was also appointed to city committees, including the Alcohol License Review Committee. I held a job in the executive branch of the state government helping doctors get to work during COVID. I am the Vice President of Capitol Neighborhoods, which is our downtown neighborhood association and a member of the Urban League of Greater Madison, Young Professionals. Full time, I am now employed on the personal staff of the longest serving member of the Wisconsin Legislature, Sen. Tim Carpenter.

Affordable housing is key to making Dane County a place where everyone can live with stability and dignity. I support expanding the County’s Affordable Housing Development Fund, using public land for affordable projects, and supporting co-ops and land trusts to keep housing affordable long term. While cities control most zoning, the County can lead with funding, planning, and advocacy to align local land use with our housing needs. We must also streamline approvals, push back on exclusionary zoning, and support tenant protections, eviction defense, and rental assistance. I’ll push for more supportive housing and new paths to homeownership through down payment aid and partnerships with nonprofit developers.

My environmental priorities include protecting our climate and natural resources and planning growth that serves all people. I’ll expand conservation programs, preserve wetlands, and invest in proven solutions to manage flooding. I support the Climate Action Plan and will work to cut emissions and boost energy efficiency. The County can shape growth to reduce sprawl, protect farmland, and avoid pushing people out. But real challenges remain: state limits on funding and regional coordination, and pushback from powerful interests. I’ll pursue grants, partnerships, and public engagement to overcome these barriers and ensure our environment and communities are protected for the long term.

Conditions in our jail and public health.

The jail may not affect everyone directly but it reflects how we treat people in crisis. In my job supporting public defenders, I hear often about problems with healthcare and dehumanizing policies in the jail. As the County invests hundreds of millions in a new jail, we must do better. I support broad public input and accountability, along with reducing incarceration through bail reform and community-based services.

Public health is a core county responsibility and must be funded as such. From vaccine clinics to overdose prevention, these programs keep people safe. I will fight for strong funding and equity in access so prevention and care are available to those who need it most.

Dane County has shaped both my values and my experience with local government. I graduated from UW Madison in 2022 with degrees in history and political science, but I learned even more outside the classroom by advocating for higher student wages, inclusive housing for transgender students, and better mental healthcare. I have managed local campaigns, knocked thousands of doors, and worked full time on Senator Tammy Baldwin’s campaign, where I also led the effort to unionize our staff with IBEW Local 494. I now work for a small law firm of public defenders and continue to organize for LGBTQ+ rights and public health.

These experiences taught me how to listen, build coalitions, and deliver results. I will bring that approach to the County Board, staying focused on making downtown Madison and Dane County places where everyone can thrive.