Contact Phone
651-565-9656
My priorities are protecting mandated services, strengthening mental health crisis response, and bringing data discipline to county decisions — and they're connected.
Medical Assistance, child protection, and mental health programs are where the county has the greatest impact on residents with nowhere else to turn. Protecting them comes first.
Dakota County built its crisis system on temporary ARPA dollars now running out, while receiving 2.9% of state crisis funds despite representing 8% of the population. It also carries the lowest levy per capita among all seven metro counties. Closing that gap is essential. Where reductions become necessary, knowing what works — and what doesn't — is how you protect the most vulnerable from guesswork.
These aren't competing goals — they're both achievable. Secure elections require accurate records, reliable equipment, and transparent processes. Accessible elections require clear information, reasonable hours, and removing unnecessary barriers. Dakota County can meet both standards. I'd support regular audits to verify accuracy alongside outreach that helps every eligible voter understand how and when to participate.
The biggest challenge is a funding cliff. Dakota County built a nationally recognized crisis response system — embedded social workers, mobile response, a new Crisis and Recovery Center — largely on one-time ARPA dollars that are running out. Meanwhile, the county receives 2.9% of state crisis funds while representing 8% of the population. I'd push to fix that formula and build sustainable funding before services contract.
Dakota County has maintained the lowest levy per capita among all seven metro counties since 2005, through 20% population growth. The consequence is a structural fund balance of 8% — well below the State Auditor's recommended floor of 35–50%. That's the real fiscal context. I'd start by understanding what each program delivers and to whom, working with front-line staff rather than managing from a spreadsheet. Mandated services for vulnerable residents get protected first. Where reductions become
Immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility. The county board's role is to ensure county employees and resources aren't used to carry out federal enforcement work. I brought a verification protocol policy to the Dakota County Board after witnessing federal operations that violated residents' Constitutional rights. The board declined to adopt it — and that experience is part of why I'm running. Local government should serve all residents.
I'd hold regular listening sessions across District 6, make myself reachable by email and in person, and apply my data background directly: regular public reports tracking program performance against stated goals in plain language. If the county says something is working, residents should be able to see what "working" means. Good representation means going to people, not waiting for them to come to you.
My top three priorities are community well-being, responsible growth, and accountable government.
Community Well-Being: I will support public safety, first responders, and access to mental health services so residents and families have the resources they need to thrive.
Responsible Growth: Dakota County is growing rapidly. We must thoughtfully plan for housing, transportation, infrastructure, parks, and libraries to maintain a high quality of life while preparing for the future.
Accountable Government: Residents deserve confidence that public resources are used effectively. I will work to prevent fraud, improve oversight, support small businesses, and ensure access to essential county services.
Voters should be confident that elections are both secure and accessible. I support maintaining strong safeguards that protect election integrity while ensuring every eligible voter can participate. This includes accurate voter rolls, secure ballot handling, transparent election administration, and compliance with election laws. At the same time, we should remove unnecessary barriers to voting and ensure residents have clear information about how, when, and where to cast their ballots.
One of Dakota County’s biggest challenges is ensuring timely access to mental health care and social services as demand continues to grow. Long wait times, workforce shortages, and barriers to accessing care can leave residents without support when they need it most. I will support efforts to strengthen the behavioral health workforce, improve coordination between providers and county services, and ensure resources are available for children, families, seniors, and people in crisis.
County government should deliver high-quality services efficiently, transparently, and responsibly. I will focus on evaluating programs based on outcomes, investing in services that provide the greatest community benefit, reducing waste and fraud, and using taxpayer dollars wisely. By improving accountability, streamlining processes, and making data informed decisions, we can maintain essential services while being good stewards of public resources.
The County Board's primary responsibility is delivering county services and ensuring public safety, not setting federal immigration policy. The board should ensure county departments comply with applicable laws, treat all residents fairly, and use resources effectively. My focus would be on providing efficient services, supporting safe communities, and working collaboratively with local, state, and federal partners within the scope of county government.
Effective leadership starts with listening. I will be accessible, responsive, and engaged with residents throughout the county by attending community events, meeting with local organizations, holding regular opportunities for public input, and maintaining open communication. I believe the best decisions are made when elected officials listen to diverse perspectives, understand local challenges, and work collaboratively to find practical solutions.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
