Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Campaign Phone
740-541-8455
Education and Experience
Ohio University, BS in Psychology
Athens needs better infrastructure planning and more affordable housing. I’ll push for transparency and oversight on public projects to ensure funds are spent wisely. I’ll also advocate for zoning changes and incentives to increase affordable housing while securing grants to ease costs. These steps will support residents and businesses while preserving Athens’ character.
I’ve written and helped pass resolutions at City Council and have experience in grant writing. I also understand housing challenges firsthand, having faced housing insecurity myself. This drives my commitment to expanding affordable housing and tenant protections. My experience in policy and funding ensures I can deliver real solutions for Athens.
I’d support local businesses by streamlining permits and advocating for workforce development in green energy, tech, and trades. I’d also push policies that keep Athens affordable. Strengthening our economy means ensuring residents can afford to live, work, and thrive here.
Athens should update zoning to allow for mixed-use developments and incentivize affordable housing. Stronger tenant protections are also needed to ensure safe, habitable housing. I’ll work to hold landlords accountable and expand options for renters and homeowners alike.
Campaign Phone
7408569684
Education and Experience
BA and MA - History and Politics - Social Studies Educator / Athens County Broadband Coordinator / Director regional community health program
Expanding access to affordable housing – at a variety of levels of affordability-is a top need. The Affordable Housing and Planning Commissions' work here is important in encouraging the development of housing across the economic spectrum. The Co-Create housing group shows how the community can collaborate on various initiatives, including the new Sunset shelter project. Across the board future facing policies that support homeowners and renters alike are critical to keep our community vibrant.
As a former social studies educator I appreciate the role of local government and political participation. From roles in local and regional non-profits, I have experience with state and federal funding. As a member of the Board of Zoning Appeals, a local soccer board, my neighborhood association, and as a youth sports coach, I can represent a range of views on council. I have lived here as a renter, an international student, a home owner, and a parent - all important perspectives for council.
We need to listen to our local business owners. The city should create a small business committee to provide input on various issues. We need initiatives that support local enterprises, including Neighborhood Overlay Corridor Zones. Buy local initiatives and tax incentives to ease rental costs are effective in other cities. Impending federal funding cuts will create financial challenges for many of our residents - we need to be nimble in responding to the impact on our economy and community.
The City's efforts to review the zoning ordinances should continue apace. The work undertaken by the Planning Commission in the last year regarding lot sizes was an important first step. We need to be mindful that zoning should work to protect our city and allow it to grow. This includes more effective enforcement. Senate Bill 104, which would prohibit cities regulating short-term rentals, is a concern as it would add pressure to our housing market. The city needs to prepare for this outcome.
Education and Experience
I have a BA in Sociology from OU. I am currently a board member on the Athens County Foundation, Dairy Barn Arts Center, and a small business owner.
Affordable and attainable housing is in high need in Athens. Some of this is beginning to be addressed in changes to our zoning codes. I would continue to work to learn more in this area and support our city administration and city planner in expanding changes where they fit. Higher wage jobs are also a top need which is tied to available housing to entice larger companies to locate here.
I have experienced life in Athens in many life stages from student to empty nest adult and have taken in different perspectives along the way. As a 25 year small business owner I've experienced many changes in Athens over the years and have seen how we have overcome some challenges.
I've worked to stay actively involved in various groups along the way which has allowed me to meet and work with a lot of different people. I do my research and work to be prepared for topics as they arise.
I believe having more communication and community input could improve meeting our community needs. Talking with our community to remember that we get the community we support and keeping our small town small business spirit helps us all. I've worked over the years to stay connected with the university and engage where I can when it is considering changes to keep city interests in mind. Town-Gown relations impact many parts of the Athens economy and I work to make sure the impacts are positive.
Some zoning changes which recently occurred allowing for increased lot coverage and smaller setbacks should help to allow more types of housing on existing lots. I think a move to allow duplexes and triplexes in R-1 neighborhoods would allow more housing to fit various needs. If we are able to add additional new housing developments, looking into requiring a percentage of affordable housing in new developments could also address the shortages we currently experience.
