Experience and Qualifications
I am a 25+ year Milton resident. I have helped behind the scenes for many years, but am honored now to serve more directly as Town Council for the past 9 months after Frank “Doc” Blaisdell retired. I am a marketing creative director and have managed at several large marketing agencies as a senior executive. I am pleased to use my problem solving, strategic planning, management of multi-million dollar accounts, budgets and large teams to serve Milton residents.
Fostering public engagement is imperative. We face many new opportunities in the near future, but the town must be considerate in its approach and plans for the town center and work diligently to meet the needs of town residents. The public’s voice must guide us. I am an intentional person and want to engage with residents at our meetings, workshops and online. I am eager to listen and love to chat over coffee. We are at our best when more points of view are considered when formulating solutions. I am focused on the affordability of our town; therefore, planning with careful budgeting and leveraging thoughtful growth are essential to ensure that Milton is affordable and comfortable for residents while providing the services we all deserve.
As a town, we are in a period of growth with the move of the town garage, additions to the town center, and rebuilding of town hall and park space. As your councilman, I want to help the town maintain lower taxes, realize stronger revenues to provide and invest in the excellent services and amenities we are accustomed to. I want to participate in the strategic planning to set Milton up for success for the next generation. Throughout the process, I will be a person residents can turn to when they have a concern or need to be heard. Just as I am with my neighbors and friends, I want to be the person you go to for help.
I am an attentive listener and approachable. I enjoy conversations with people from all walks of life. I treasure being a husband and dad, love small-town rural living, enjoy visiting with neighbors, taking in nature, and tending to my honey bees. I am a creative and that is the approach I take in all endeavors, including how I develop innovative solutions. I hope you’ll allow me to continue to collaborate with you in making our town a better place for residents now and in the future.
Experience and Qualifications
Twenty-five year resident of the Town of Milton who has been an active citizen participant in our local government over many years. Over ten years experience leading a statewide non-profit that provides information and support to families of children and adults with disabilities.
Campaign Mailing Address
PO Box 10, Ballston Spa, NY 12020
Government is a shared responsibility between the residents and those elected to represent them. It only works when the business of the public is, in fact, conducted in public. Citizens must have a voice in the process. The lack of effective communication with residents undermines the ability of citizens to meaningfully participate. This is currently playing out in a period of rapid development within the Town of Milton, and that development that is being guided by a Comprehensive Plan that was last fully vetted in 2001. Our zoning codes are out of date and being updated, as needed, to accommodate this development. We need to put planning first within a transparent environment that welcomes and values all stakeholders in the conversation.
I am running to ensure more balanced representation on our Town Board. The best solutions do not develop in a vacuum; they are forged from the exchange of ideas and productive conversation. I have attended far too many board meetings during which a resolution is read, there is no discussion, and then a unanimous vote in favor is taken. I will promote open discussion with the community and a more creative approach to capitalizing on our many strengths while addressing our challenges. No one should need to subscribe to a high-priced business journal to know what is happening in their town. I will advocate for community education, listening sessions, and improved use of old and new business agenda items to keep the public engaged and informed.
I feel strongly that leadership of a municipality is not a Republican or Democrat issue -- it is about being neighbors and seeking to protect and enhance our quality of life. I want to thank my neighbors, including those in West Milton and the Village, who have been sharing their concerns with me. I promise to lead differently for us all. I am very proud of my history of calling for good governance regardless of which political party may be in charge. I am known to both applaud and acknowledge success, while also calling in no uncertain terms for us to do better. I commit to more of the same. Whether or not we agree on national issues or approaches to our local challenges, we can all agree that we love Milton and want see it thrive.
