Campaign Phone
904-333-4565
Served as Atlantic Beach Mayor for 4 years. 35 years in banking. Past President/CEO for Beaches Habitat for Humanity. Beaches Resident 60 years. Atlantic Beach Resident 45 years.
1)Stormwater management/flood management
2)Tree Canopy Preservation
1) Site development/finance in banking. Strong background in reviewing/using Stormwater engineering plans, compliance with St John’s River Water Management District.
2) Passed significant legislation in Atlantic Beach protecting old growth maritime species at 20 inches or larger from indiscriminate and unnecessary removal in land development or construction.
Atlantic beach is significantly built out so the issues mainly surround redevelopment or knock down/rebuilds. Increased lot coverage from rebuilds due to citizens wanting more home than the size of the one being replaced puts more stress on Stormwater management and retention of green space including trees.
Atlantic beach has done a good job of cleaning out open drainage ditches, storm sewers, use on site Stormwater retention and employing permeable paver solutions. In addition our city has acquired acreage for a pond at the headwaters of Hopkins Creek and completed the Aquatic Gardens Stormwater project. Next we need to acquire funding for a significant rebuild of our underground stormwater systems that are undersized or aged, some over 70 years old.
Campaign Phone
7326876199
I am a board-certified anesthesiologist, in active clinical practice for 28 years, most of that time in leadership positions. As chief of anesthesia, I was responsible for hiring of all anesthesia staff, in addition to scheduling, safety inspections, regulatory compliance, quality assurance, personnel issues, etc.
I was a member of the Executive Committee of the NJ State Society of Anesthesiologists for 10 years, and Chair of the NJSSA PAC for 3 years, before retiring and moving to FL in 2017.
I have been a member of the LWV State Healthcare Committee since 2020, advocating for healthcare access and equity.
I volunteer every week at Volunteers in Medicine, a non-profit in Jacksonville that provides healthcare to the working uninsured.
1. DEVELOPMENT PRESSURES: Atlantic Beach is a unique town nestled between the Ocean and the inter-coastal waterway, with a lush tree canopy. Thanks to forward-thinking former leaders, we have codes that discourage over-development (such as 35 foot height limit to buildings, narrow commercial corridors, 45% impervious limits to private lots, minimum lot frontages, etc). However, with increasing property values the pressure to develop is also increasing. Sadly, we are seeing weakening of our codes, with resulting lot-splitting and unprecedented tree removals.
2. FUNDING UNCERTAINTY: With a vote on property taxes on the ballot in November, we must anticipate this loss in order to protect our vital public safety services (police, fire, EMT)
Communication and Interpersonal Skills: As an anesthesiologist, I worked with patients, staff and surgeons, learning early on that effective communication and interpersonal skills are vital to good working relationships. I know how to build a team and bring out the best in everyone.
Data-Driven Decisions: My undergraduate degree was in Biology, so I lean in on scientific data and the opinions of experts. I will use facts and the best possible information when making decisions.
Compassion: I became a physician to help people, and the office of mayor is no different. Elected officials serve their constituents and I will never forget that.
Respect: As a first-line provider, I have immense respect for other first responders.
Challenges: Growth brings pressure to over-development, utilizes our vital resources, strains our infrastructure and threatens our environment.
Opportunities: Growth can increase our financial stability, raise property values, support our public school attendance and bring new businesses and jobs to our area.
Growth and development are not necessarily a bad thing. There is interest in our area because of its (largely) pleasant weather, natural resources, beauty and affordability. But we are approaching the "goose that laid the golden egg" phase, because if we are careful the development may be so driven by maximum profit that the very things that make this area desirable will be destroyed.
I believe we can have smart development, that preserves our natural resources, improves our environmental impacts, provides the necessary infrastructure and road upgrades, and respects our community's character. At the end of the day, we all want a safe place to live and work, and careful planning can achieve these goals.
