I have been a teacher for twenty years with the last eighteen being at Dobyns-Bennett. As a social studies teacher, I understand the role of federalism and county government. I have over three decades of leadership experience, including roles teaching, the YMCA, and my church. I have a passion for serving Sullivan County now and for helping lead it into the future. People need representation in government who will listen. That is why my motto is “Ready to Listen…Ready to Lead!”

A top priority would be to help restore funding for public schools, which have been lost by all three school systems due to reallocation of funds by the current commission over the past decade. I estimate that KCS alone has lost over $20 million in funding during that time. Also, we must support our first responders, the highway department, and other county offices while being good stewards of citizens’ tax dollars. The county commission must work for the voters and quit being so polarized!

My experience comes from working hard, living blue-collar values, and understanding everyday challenges families face. I’ve built a reputation as a team player and consensus builder, bringing people together to find practical solutions long before entering public office.

People are most concerned about how their tax dollars are spent and what they receive in return. Clear, consistent communication is essential. Since 2024, we’ve utilized local media to keep residents informed and involved, and we’ll continue that effort. Upgrading the county’s social media and web presence is also vital to provide timely updates.

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I have been a small business owner in Sullivan County for 16 years. I serve on the Kingsport City Schools Board of Education. Small business ownership has taught me much about fiscal responsibility, budgetary analysis, and transparency. Board of Education experience has taught me much about effective responsible use of tax payer dollars to better the community. These experiences will help me in being an effective commissioner.

I would like to see the monies that have been allocated away from education over the past few years put back into education. If they cannot be replaced, at the least, I would insist that there be no further reduction in funding education. I would also insist on a more transparent display of tax dollar allocation for the public to reference. Any time there is a tax rate change, or a change in the allocation of an unchanged rate, the commission should provide a clear document for public analysis. It is their money after all.

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Candidate has not yet responded.

As a manager of a multi-million dollar business right here in Sullivan County, I oversee the day to day operations to include, managing the staff, setting and meeting budgets and producing goal oriented results for the franchises. I believe our county should be ran with a business type attitude in protecting our citizens from higher taxes (save money), spend less and have open communication. I currently set on the board of CASA and am the 2027 president elect. I have served on the community advisory committee for Eastman Chemical Co. and previously on the government relations committee for Indian Path Hospital. I commit to always having open communication with Sullivan County residents, I believe in People over Politics.

Taxes! The idea of knowing how much money we have to spend and staying within that budget without raising taxes is so important. I talk to people daily and the tax increases that have been put on our county is not fair and more than some can bare, especially the elderly and those on fixed incomes. Accountability must be a top priority and this starts by being open and honest with our constituents, no one should be taken by surprise by the government that represents them. We must be transparent, even if it is uncomfortable or not popular at the time. The seat of county commissioner is that of the people and should be treated as so. I look forward to serving as YOUR District 11 Sullivan County Commissioner. People over Politics.