Education and Experience
AAS in Recreation and Wildlife Management, BSS in Natural Science & Outdoor Edu. & Masters Science & Environmental Studies, 4 years AmeriCorps, CHW
Housing issues and tenant rights. Prioritizing the need for more affordable housing and improving rental experiences must continue to improve in order to promote a stronger, more sustainable community. Increasing renters’ rights and tenant wellbeing is also crucial. The continuation of strengthening and expanding support for the city’s commitment to the implementation of the Athens Sustainability Action Plan is another priority for me. Every single issue is connected to sustainability.
I believe my strong academic, professional, and leadership background, my myriad hours dedicated to volunteering and community service and community development, over 20 years of being a resident and raising my family in Athens, and then 14 of those years I have lived on the West Side all make me a strong candidate. I work hard and make it a priority to actively listen to others, seize opportunities for learning, and practice effective communication for building collaborative relationships.
I would go beyond “superficial interactions” and opt for more genuine engagement, active listening, and provide a level of respect that goes both ways. I strongly believe it is important to invest time in understanding the differing needs, concerns, and goals in our community. If elected, I would try to create more opportunities that would bring community together. I am interested in community wealth building approach to economic regeneration and finding ways to create and retain wealth locally.
City zoning needs to be thoughtfully updated and support all stakeholders in the community. Considering zoning reforms will help address our housing shortage and can help make building more affordable housing easier. City leadership must continue to work at finding solutions for improving our housing stock and rental experiences. I look forward to learning more and would provide support that will work toward improving the ability to develop properties that exist within the city.
Candidate has withdrawn from this race. Due to timing his name will still appear on the ballot. Please contact the Athens County Board of Elections for any questions.
Candidate has withdrawn from this race. Due to timing his name will still appear on the ballot. Please contact the Athens County Board of Elections for any questions.
Candidate has withdrawn from this race. Due to timing his name will still appear on the ballot. Please contact the Athens County Board of Elections for any questions.
Candidate has withdrawn from this race. Due to timing his name will still appear on the ballot. Please contact the Athens County Board of Elections for any questions.
Campaign Phone
740-814-0060
Education and Experience
BS Civil Engineering; 10 years experience in land development & utility/energy distribution
The city of Athens has a priority need for improved infrastructure, and related to this is the need for improved project management practices, and better constituent communications regarding major improvement projects. My goal as councilman is to work with my contacts at the Dept. of Engineering & Public Works to achieve a higher standard for construction around the city, particularly for my constituents in the 1st Ward.
Having continued professional interaction with the Dept. of Engineering & Public Works in my career occupation, I am poised to work closely with the department's leaders Andy Stone and Saleh Eldabaja, along with my former professors from the OU Civil Engineering Dept. to help meet the city's critical infrastructure needs.
By ensuring clear & early communication with constituents about upcoming improvement projects with my assistance, the city can ensure that businesses may remain fully open during the construction process, maintaining safe ingress & egress for customers from local businesses that would otherwise be adversely impacted. The delays & lack of business access with Lostro uptown & recent W Union St sewer reconstruction projects are shining examples of what I'm fighting to avoid moving forward.
If elected, I would like to explore options for rezoning of dedicated housing and business districts to include more mixed-use zoning. I believe that mixed-use zoning is at the heart of classic American capitalist ideology; mixed-use zoning facilitates greater access to housing that would otherwise be reserved for offices & businesses, and simultaneously encourages smaller, local businesses to open in neighborhoods, providing niche quality goods & services.
