VOTE411 Voter Guide

I'm a life-long Wisconsinite and a Milwaukee homeowner, who knows what it's like to fall behind on the bills or worry about medical care and making ends meet. I attended public schools as do my children. I served in the Wisconsin Army National Guard and as a treatment-level foster parent. I hold a Master's Degree in Public Administration and have professional experience in accounting, auditing, running elections, and government management. I've represented our community for over a decade in County government and understand the ins and outs of how budgets are crafted and how both good ideas and not-so-good ideas become policy and law.

I am running as an independent, so my top priority is to operate in a way that honors those who elect me by always considering multiple perspectives on an issue, alternative possibilities, and who the stakeholders are that might be affected by my decisions.

Responsible Budgeting: Advocate for smart government spending that combats our out-of-control inflation, avoids unnecessary tax hikes, and supports families struggling to make ends meet.

Law Enforcement: Safe neighborhoods, while ensuring officers receive proper training and compensation and mental health services are expanded.

Education Reform: Fixing the school funding formulas to empower teachers while holding schools accountable.

Cannabis Legalization: Align with neighboring states, allow medical use, and correct the double standard between how we treat alcohol vs. cannabis.

Balanced Justice: Advocate for tougher penalties for vehicle thefts and reckless driving while ensuring fair sentencing.

The most troubling housing-related issue in Wisconsin is the availability of safe and affordable housing. The more our neighborhoods are considered safe and cared for, the better. Property owners seem to be paying increasingly higher tax bills ever year. These costs are passed along to renters, as part of the price of providing unaffordable housing. In addition, there are transfer taxes excised by the state on deed transfer transactions, effectively penalizing or fining property owners for selling their property, or adding to buyers' final bills when buying property. We need to support aligning state and local policies on development, city planning, and the application of zoning ordinances to encourage and remove obvious blockages to expanding housing options.

I am not sure which redistricting process would be the best option. I think it would be beneficial to take a look at what options have been tried in other states, and why they were applauded or abandoned. In any case, redistricting should take place without regard to where an incumbent elected official lives.

I think that because there are mixed views about the importance and validity of some environmental protection policies, Wisconsin would do well to educate the public about options and expected outcomes for the state. Energy Efficiency Programs that promote conserving energy in homes, school, and many businesses are important to sustain. Water protection in our lakes, rivers, and natural wells are important, just like our forests and outdoor habitats are a key conservation area that requires thoughtful maintenance.

I support fixing the school funding formula to empower teachers and hold schools accountable, ensuring they receive the resources to serve all students without excessive administrative or capital spending burdens on taxpayers. As someone who has a disability and a child with a disability, and has been a choice school auditor, I have some experience with children not always receiving the assistance they may need or the right amount of support required for success. I think that in fixing our funding formulas, we should support policies that sensibly fund teachers while empowering them to make meaningful positive changes in their students' lives.

During my term in office, my top priorities are to focus on fully funding and staffing Milwaukee Public Schools, addressing issues of reckless driving, promoting crime prevention strategies, and prioritizing affordable housing initiatives. My experience as a former Milwaukee County Supervisor, Chair of the Transportation, Public Works, and Transit Committee, and small business owner equips me with the leadership skills, community engagement experience, and policy expertise needed to effectively tackle these critical issues. I will work tirelessly to advocate for the well-being and prosperity of all residents in our community with a focus on transparency, collaboration, and impactful solutions. My ultimate goal is to be the voice of the people!

The most pressing housing-related issue in Wisconsin is the lack of affordable housing options, especially for low-income individuals and families. To address this issue, I would support policies that promote affordable housing development, increase access to rental assistance programs, and provide resources for homelessness prevention initiatives. Additionally, I would advocate for policies that prioritize fair housing practices, combat housing discrimination, and invest in infrastructure improvements to ensure safe and affordable housing for all Wisconsinites. By working to expand affordable housing options and improve housing affordability, we can create more equitable and sustainable communities where everyone has access to safe and affordable housing.

Before the next national census, I believe the Wisconsin legislature should put in place an independent redistricting process to ensure fair representation for voters. This would involve establishing an independent redistricting commission comprised of diverse stakeholders who are not affiliated with political parties to draw electoral district boundaries based on impartial criteria such as population equality, compactness, contiguity, and respect for communities of interest. By removing partisan influence from the redistricting process, we can promote fair representation, protect the integrity of our democracy, and ensure that voters have a meaningful voice in the electoral process. There must be fairness and balance in this process and I believe with an independent commission in place we can achieve both collectively.

As a candidate dedicated to promoting environmental sustainability in Wisconsin, I would support initiatives such as renewable energy development, energy efficiency programs, and conservation efforts while respecting individuals' rights to choose their form of energy use. I believe in implementing policies that gradually bring all income levels to affordable renewable energy options, prioritizing a step-by-step approach to ensure a smooth transition and equitable access to sustainable resources. By balancing environmental goals with individual choices and gradual improvements, we can work towards a more sustainable future for all Wisconsinites.

To ensure our schools have the resources to improve outcomes for all students, including those with disabilities, I will prioritize funding for education, advocate for comprehensive special education programs, and support initiatives that promote inclusivity and support for students with disabilities. My personal experience as a peer teacher assistant to the special needs teacher at Audubon Middle School, where I gave up my extra gym class to assist, has provided me with firsthand knowledge of the challenges these students face. Drawing from this experience, I am committed to advocating for policies and resources that address the unique needs of students with disabilities and promote their academic success and well-being.