VOTE411 Voter Guide

While the delivery of basic services to our community remains our overarching responsibility, the issue that concerns me most, and the one that keeps me up at night, is the ongoing struggle with police staffing. I have always believed that government should do for its residents what they cannot do for themselves, and there is nothing more fundamental than ensuring public safety.

Although our Fire and EMS services also face challenges, none compares to the nationwide shortage of police officers. Communities across the country are competing for a shrinking pool of qualified candidates, and we cannot afford to fall behind. It is incumbent upon us to respond by providing the best facilities and equipment possible, along with competitive wages, strong benefits, and a safe, positive work environment.

I’m running for reelection to the Gladstone City Council because I care deeply about the community where I was born and raised and the support it has shown our family-owned business for the past 68 years. I want to continue giving back to the city that has given so much to my family, and I believe my experience allows me to make thoughtful, sustainable decisions for our community’s future while also serving as a strong representative for the business community.

Public Safety is the most vital responsibility of any City. The continued decline in individuals entering police academies has created a challenging environment, resulting in limited resources and a smaller pool of qualified candidates from which to fill positions within our Police Force.

It is the responsibility of the City Council to ensure adequate and sustainable funding is allocated to support competitive officer compensation. Salary and benefits remain the most influential recruiting and retention tools available to a municipality. In today’s competitive labor market where departments across the region are competing for the same limited number of certified officers agencies offering higher starting pay, strong benefit packages, retirement security, and clear career advancement opportunities consistently attract more qualified applicants.

Without competitive wages, cities risk increased vacancies, higher overtime costs, officer burnout, and reduced proactive policing efforts.

I am running for City Council because I love Gladstone and believe I possess the qualifications necessary to continue leading our great city into the future. I combine long-term local residency, community leadership, civic project experience, public service in recreation management, and prior City Council experience as a Council Member and Mayor all of which are key qualifications for serving effectively on the Gladstone City Council.