VOTE411 Voter Guide

I bring a strong combination of leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving skills developed through years of nonprofit management and community engagement. I have managed programs and budgets, secured and administered grants, and built partnerships with schools, businesses, faith communities, and local organizations. This experience translates directly to the responsibilities of city government. I am skilled at bringing people together, listening carefully to diverse perspectives, and facilitating conversations that lead to consensus and action.

In addition to these leadership abilities, I am committed to fiscal responsibility and transparency, ensuring that public resources are managed wisely and with accountability to residents. My background has equipped me to analyze complex issues, communicate them in clear and accessible ways, and invite meaningful community participation in decision-making. Above all, I believe in inclusive representation and in making sure every resident has a voice in shaping Hudsonville’s future. These qualifications will guide me in serving with integrity, building trust, and advancing policies that strengthen our community.

The next two years will be critical for Hudsonville as we balance growth with maintaining the small-town character that makes our city special. Key issues include:

1. Housing and Smart Growth : Hudsonville is growing quickly, and we must ensure development includes affordable and family-friendly options while protecting the character of our neighborhoods. Thoughtful planning and community input will be essential.

2.Infrastructure and Traffic Flow : With growth comes increased strain on our roads, sidewalks, and public spaces. We need long-term solutions for traffic congestion and pedestrian safety so residents can move safely and efficiently through our community.

3. Fiscal Responsibility and City Services : Rising costs and uncertain state and federal funding make it essential to budget wisely, prioritize transparency, and ensure every tax dollar is used effectively to provide quality city services.

4.Community Engagement and Representation : As our city becomes more diverse, it’s important that all residents feel heard, included, and represented in decision-making. Building a culture of transparency and accountability will strengthen trust in local government.

5.Sustainability and Quality of Life : Investing in parks, green spaces, and environmental responsibility ensures Hudsonville remains a healthy and welcoming place for families today and for future generations.

These challenges align with my platform of responsible growth, fiscal accountability, and inclusive community engagement. By addressing them thoughtfully, we can ensure Hudsonville thrives while staying true to our values as a close-knit, forward-thinking city.

Building community understanding and trust starts with listening first. I will host open forums, attend neighborhood meetings, and provide accessible ways for residents to share their perspectives, both in person and online. To keep residents informed, I will prioritize clear and consistent communication through outlets such as the city newsletter and website , along with my own website and social media updates, making sure information is easy to find and understand. Importantly, I will also ensure key information is available in Spanish, so Hudsonville’s Hispanic community has full access to city updates and opportunities to participate.

To build engagement, I will focus on collaboration and inclusion, ensuring lived experiences and diverse voices are at the table, especially those who are often left out of decision-making. I will also work to strengthen municipal partnerships with schools, businesses, nonprofits, and faith communities so we approach challenges together. By combining transparency, accessibility, bilingual communication, and proactive outreach, we can create a culture where residents feel informed, involved, and invested in Hudsonville’s future.

I bring a combination of private-sector leadership and hands-on local experience that’s directly relevant to serving on the City Commission. I’ve owned and operated businesses, led teams, managed budgets, and worked through both growth and challenge—skills that translate well to city governance.

In Hudsonville, I’ve served the last four years as a City Commissioner, Member and Chairperson of the Downtown Development Authority, member of the Terra Square Advisory Board and also Strategic Plan Steering Committee. Before that, I served on multiple boards in downtown Holland, including the Parking Board, Shops of Downtown, Downtown Holland Inc. and P.S.D. (Principal Shopping District).

This blend of business experience and community service has given me a deep understanding of how to lead collaboratively, think long-term, and make balanced decisions that serve both today’s needs and tomorrow’s goals.

1. Prioritizing our Four Guiding Principles: a. Distinctive City: Cultivate our identity through small-town charm and flourishing local businesses. b. Livable City: Support diverse housing, neighborhood variety, and natural open spaces. c. Vibrant City: Create dynamic public spaces, vibrant shopping, dining and community life. d. Connected City: Build an interconnected network of walks, paths, and trails for pedestrians, bikes, and all modes of transit. 2. Citizen-Driven Master Plan a. Guided by extensive community input and public engagement, “Imagine 2030” was adopted in 2015 and awarded Planning Excellence (Daniel H. Burnham Award). b. It continues to shape zoning, infrastructure, and downtown-focused policies and is a top priority for me. c. Without citizen involvement and a clear strategic plan, we risk losing sight of what makes Hudsonville special. 3. Ongoing Implementation Initiatives a. Expansion of Terra Square and Harvey Street pedestrian-friendly zones to boost walkability and downtown vibrancy. b. Zoning reform and master plan amendments in progress (should be approved by City Commission by August 2025) aligning future development with community priorities—especially housing, traffic safety, and infrastructure upgrades.

Building community understanding in Hudsonville is done through numerous methods. Regular communication using all available methods, open meetings, surveys, and more. We recently sponsored a community questionnaire that was, and is, invaluable in directing the affairs of the city and prioritizing needs and wants.

I currently attend all relevant city meetings, am always available for citizen dialogue and patronize Hudsonville businesses regularly.