Public Policy Priorities
Safety, Accountability, Transparency, and Opportunities. I chose to run to put Barrel District residents’ priorities first. I am committed to listening, responding, and turning community input into action for the Barrel District - safer streets, revitalized neighborhoods, transparent city government, and responsible growth that protects quality of life. I want to make sure the Barrel District stays strong, safe, and connected. Barrel District residents and all Glendale residents deserve a transparent government with leaders they can trust.
Qualifications and Experience
I spent the last 9 years learning how things get done in the city. I was appointed to serve on the City of Glendale Community Development Advisory Committee in 2017. I am currently the Chair of the committee, and have been for the past 7 years. I was appointed to 4 Citizen's Bond Election Committees, and I served as Vice Chair or Chair for all appointments. Through these experiences, I have gained knowledge of city processes, and have engaged with residents in the community. I understand city finance, capitol improvement plans, community, neighborhood, and economic development, open meeting laws, city departments, and operations. I have deep ties to the business community through membership with the Glendale Chamber of Commerce, and service on DE&I and Public Policy committees. I also served on the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and as Board President. I was interim President and CEO. I am also involved in community service organizations.
Memberships & Affiliations
Member of the National Association of Realtors, Member of West and South East Realtors of the Valley, General Federation of Women’s Clubs - Glendale Woman’s Club (GFWC)- Chair of Conservation and Preservation Committee; Glendale Arizona Historical Society Member (GAHS); Citizens’ Police Academy Alumni of Glendale (CPAAG); Arizona Association of Realtors (AAR) Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Committee; Glendale Chamber of Commerce - Public Policy Committee, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee (DEI), Board of Directors, Interim President and CEO.
Endorsements
AZ List, State Senator Analise Ortiz, Iron Workers Local 75, Arizona Building and Construction Trades Council, Former Glendale City Council Member Yvonne Knaack, Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Robert Heidt, City Council of Avondale Gloria Solorio, Attorney Lynda Vescio, Retired Law Enforcement Chuck Foy.
Community Service
General Federation of Women’s Clubs - Glendale Woman’s Club (GFWC)- Chair of Conservation and Preservation Committee, Glendale Arizona Historical Society Member (GAHS); Citizens’ Police Academy Alumni of Glendale (CPAAG); City of Glendale Community Development Advisory Committee Chair (CDAC); City of Glendale Citizen's Bond Election Committee Chair; Volunteer Chaperone and other volunteer tasks at my daughter's school.
Education
Graduated from Moon Valley High School, Studied theater and music at Phoenix and Glendale Community Colleges and studied architecture at Arizona State University.
Supporting Prevailing Wage Laws, Project Labor Agreements and Community Investment Agreements, which increase wages, benefits, worker safety and the use of eco-friendly materials in construction projects.
I will continue to support women's body autonomy, non-traditional child care programs, and financial literacy for underserved populations. I will recommend comprehensive and flexible workforce development programs and projects. I will continue to advocate for better public transit and affordable housing.
I will draft and/or support water policies and regulations that guide future growth ensuring that new development and new construction include water-smart planning measures and developers submit water-use impact reports for public inspection. Regulations must apply to all new properties, regardless of their intended use. Meaning commercial, residential, sale or rental, entertainment, hospitality or sports venue must adhere to water conservation policies.
Budget
1) to maintain the city's credit rating by keeping current on loan repayments, and adhering to budgets.
Infrastructure
2) Complete voter approved, bond-funded capitol improvement projects. I will not vote to approve any new projects that are slated in place of current/scheduled projects.
Housing/Community
3) Ensure grant funds are expended in accordance with donor requirements. I will be reviewing programs, outcomes, budgets, contracts and procurement to ensure funds are allocated and expended according to need, resources, and requirements.
Public Safety
4) Invest in community accident/injury prevention through PSA's, smoke alarms, maintaining city streets/sidewalks, appropriate lighting, and community services. Prevention benefits everyone. It is cost-effective, reduces accidents, injuries, deaths, and loss. Prevention also reduces the number of calls for service, reduces risks to emergency responders and allows greater flexibility in how they use their resources.
It starts with me. I will govern with integrity and the highest ethical standards. I will avoid situations that could be perceived as a conflict of interest or that would create a conflict of interest.
Public participation is one of the most effective ways to keep government officials accountable, ensure transparency, and hold elected officials accountable.
I will respectfully ask the mayor, council, and city management questions and make comments in public meetings to ensure that issues are known to the public, addressed in a public forum, and entered into the public record.
I will encourage the public to do the same and help them prepare by informing them on procedures and protocols so they can confidently address the council in public meetings.
I will have an open door policy and meet with constituents and stakeholders to get their opinions, hear their concerns, ask if and how they would like to participate in their government, and try to make it happen.
Shared challenges are best addressed with input from people who make decisions and the people who are affected by those decisions. I have seen firsthand the value and power of bringing people together and building relationships within the community. The value in relationships can not be overstated.
My experiences with the Glendale Chamber and the Community Development Advisory Committee taught me that the best solutions are created when everyone who wants a seat at the table gets one. This community-minded approach brings people together and creates comprehensive and sustainable solutions.
In addition to making sure current opportunities are known, I will create new spaces and opportunities for residents, city staff, large and small business owners, commercial property owners, community leaders and other stakeholders in and out of the district and the city, to meet, discuss shared challenges and develop solutions that are in everyone's best interest.
Public safety as it intersects with every other issue. Most of the residents I spoke with said their neighborhoods are safe, and overall, emergency responders do a good job. Residents stated concerns about water, cost of living, aging in place, infrastructure, and homelessness - all public safety issues. Public Safety is more than emergency response. It includes prevention and the safety of emergency responders.
I will convene an informal group of stakeholders that includes Barrel district residents, city staff, emergency responders, social service agencies and others to discuss comprehensive approaches to public safety.
The next step would be to complete a safety assessment. The assessment will be used to identify priority areas, determine safety needs and develop strategies to assist the city in preventing accidents and injuries and being better prepared for emergencies.
This process is ongoing and provides opportunities for continuous engagement and improvement.
Campaign Phone
623-374-7002
Public Policy Priorities
The biggest issues facing the Barrel District over the next four years are public safety, affordability, and responsible growth. Residents want safe neighborhoods, stronger community policing, and better communication between the city and the community. I support strengthening public safety, bringing back block watch programs, and ensuring our police and fire departments have the resources they need. Affordability is also a growing concern as rising housing costs and inflation impact families and seniors. Glendale must support local businesses, attract quality jobs, and practice responsible budgeting without raising taxes. Growth should be thoughtful and balanced while preserving the historic charm and character of downtown Glendale and the Barrel District.
Qualifications and Experience
28 Years – Phoenix Police Department 25 Years as a Sworn Police Officer 3 Years as a Civilian Investigator 2 Years – State of Arizona, State Investigator 9 Years Military Service 7 Years – United States Air Force 2 Years – United States Army
Memberships & Affiliations
I have been a proud member of the Knights of Columbus for over 30 years.
Endorsements
Maricopa County Attorney, Rachel Mitchell Glendale City Councilman, Diana Guzman Az House of Representative, Majority Whip - Julie Willoughby Glendale Fire Department Glendale Police Department FOP #12 Arizona Fraternal Order of Police Phoenix Police Sergeants and Lieutenants Association University of Michigan Head Baseball Coach - Tracy Smith Former City of Surprise, City Manager and Police Chief - Mike Frazier Former United States Airforce Fighter Pilot - Al Shawcross
Community Service
I coached high school baseball for 20+ years at Alhambra High School. I served on the Neighbor Boards and Commissions for the City of Glendale for 3 years
Education
I earned my bachelors degree in Criminal Justice from ASU in 1992 and I went on to earn my Master's degree in Educational Leadership from NAU in 1999.
Economic opportunity and sustainability must go hand in hand. Glendale should focus on supporting locally owned businesses, revitalizing commercial corridors, and attracting high-quality employers that provide good-paying jobs so residents can live, work, and thrive in our community.
Growth must be balanced with long-term sustainability. Water preservation and developing responsible alternatives must remain a priority because our water supplies are not endless. Future development should be evaluated based on its impact on water resources, infrastructure, public safety, traffic, and quality of life.
I support thoughtful, community-driven growth that is compatible with surrounding neighborhoods and preserves the historic character of downtown Glendale and the Barrel District. Economic development should strengthen our community, not overwhelm it. By practicing fiscal responsibility, and protecting our natural resources, Glendale can create lasting economic opportunities.
My top budget priorities are public safety, infrastructure, and preserving the quality of life Glendale residents expect and deserve. First and foremost, we must ensure our police officers, firefighters, and public safety personnel have the staffing, training, equipment, and resources necessary to keep our neighborhoods safe.
Infrastructure is a priority. As Glendale continues to grow, we must invest in roads, water systems, utilities, parks, and public facilities while ensuring development does not outpace our capacity. Water preservation and long-term sustainability must remain central to future planning decisions.
I support investing in programs that benefit youth, families, veterans, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. Strong community programs help create safer, healthier neighborhoods.
We must practice responsible budgeting by eliminating wasteful spending, supporting small businesses, attracting quality jobs, and protecting taxpayers from unnecessary tax increases.
Transparency, ethical governance, and public participation start with listening to the people we serve. If elected, I will hold regular town halls, community meetings, and meet-and-greet events to ensure residents have opportunities to share their concerns and ideas directly with city leadership.
I believe residents deserve a meaningful voice in decisions involving public safety, development, zoning, budgets, and neighborhood issues. City government should be open, accessible, and responsive, with clear communication and accountability.
I support transparent budgeting and responsible use of taxpayer dollars, ensuring residents understand how resources are being invested. Elected officials should be held to the highest ethical standards and always put the interests of residents first.
Most importantly, I will remain visible and engaged in the community by continuing to meet with residents, listen to concerns, and ensure the voices of Glendale citizens are heard at City Hall.
Addressing Glendale's challenges requires strong communication, collaboration, and community involvement. I will continue meeting with residents through town halls, neighborhood meetings, and community events to ensure their concerns are heard and reflected in city decisions.
I believe in working closely with neighboring cities, public safety agencies, business leaders, schools, nonprofits, and community organizations to address shared issues such as public safety, homelessness, economic development, transportation, and water sustainability.
At the state and federal levels, I will advocate for Glendale's interests while protecting local control and ensuring our community has a voice in decisions that impact our neighborhoods, infrastructure, and quality of life.
By building partnerships, listening to residents, and focusing on practical solutions, we can address challenges effectively while preserving the safety, character, and long-term prosperity of Glendale and Barrel District.
The most important issues facing Glendale and the Barrel District are public safety, affordability, and responsible growth. Public safety remains a top concern, and I support strengthening community policing, bringing back block watch programs, and ensuring our police and fire departments have the resources needed to protect residents and businesses.
Affordability is another major challenge as rising housing costs, inflation, and everyday expenses continue to impact families and seniors. I support responsible budgeting, supporting local businesses, attracting quality employers and good-paying jobs, and protecting taxpayers from unnecessary tax increases.
Growth must be thoughtful and balanced. We must preserve the historic charm of downtown Glendale and the Barrel District while protecting water resources, infrastructure, and neighborhood character. I will advocate for responsible development and ensure residents have a meaningful voice in decisions that impact their community.
