Campaign Phone
8109649677
Education and Occupation
JD/MHA, Attorney
I love this state and this city, but I have watched Helena go steadily downhill since I moved here in 2021. We pay an extremely high cost of to live here (especially for all the state employees who live here) and what do we get from it? Terrible roads, poor handling of ice and snow, water many of us can’t drink in our own homes, increasing amounts of vagrants downtown, few options for affordable housing, and a lack of shopping. Instead of the Capitol being a place people want to come to it’s a place people want to avoid. A government that can’t take care of its basic infrastructure has failed.
I want to bring my background in fixing government inefficiency, in cutting bloat, and background in strong leadership to Helena.
The job that brought me to Montana was cutting red tape at the largest state agency: DPHHS. It was a monstrous task and the red tape relief initiative I started continues there to this day. My background working in the intersection of the legislative and executive branches has granted me experience at the state level that would allow me to serve the good people of Helena at the local level. I’ve served in numerous leadership roles for a variety of groups going all the way back to middle school, and through it all I usually do not seek power but instead get volunteered into it. I wish not to become a dynasty but instead to serve the people of Helena, improve this city, and then step aside so others can continue that good work.
Fixing our basic infrastructure, getting spending under control, streamlining bureaucracy to increase affordable housing and job opportunities, and bring more food, entertainment, and shopping back to this city.
Social issues are not my concern. Our first and only priority should be fixing our basic services and bringing down the cost of living for the residents of our city.
Campaign Phone
3363546091
Education and Occupation
BFA in Ceramics, UNC Greensboro; Retail Manager at Sage & Oats Trading Post
As a small business owner, homeowner, leader of a small nonprofit, and community organizer, I am intimately aware of our City's needs. I know the issues and I'm not afraid to work with all of our neighbors to solve them. Helena is a unique place and it deserves leadership that reflects it.
In 2017, I served as an AmeriCorps VISTA member with the Prevention Resource Center, serving children in the Butte School District. I have been the manager of Sage & Oats Trading Post, a successful Native American-owned gift store, for four years. I currently serve as President of the Helena Young Professionals, where I have been a board member for five years. In 2024, I was the recipient of the Helena Chamber's 20 Under 40 Award. I have helped register voters and promoted voter registration for underserved communities. I have worked closely with the Last Chance Pow Wow to promote Native American culture in Helena.
Housing for All: As your commissioner, I'll introduce a moratorium on AirBnBs and VRBOs, support the construction of new hotels and transit solutions for our summer visitors, secure better terms for tenants, and promote responsible, low-cost, ecologically-conscious growth policy.
Transparency with the City: Citizens have a right to know what their government is doing. Whether that's spraying for weeds or major infrastructure projects, I'll make sure you're informed every step of the way.
Public Transit: I want to make our streets safer and more accessible for cyclists, wheelchair-users, strollers, and pedestrians. I want a bus system that works for everyone, runs on time, and that you don't need a phone to access.
I'm happy to discuss any of my positions during business hours at Sage & Oats Trading Post, 424 N Last Chance Gulch!
Education and Occupation
Director, Coalition for the International Criminal Court Master of International Affairs
I am running for re-election to continue to serve the community and represent the issues that matter most. I have learned a great deal over the last three and a half years and would like to continue to work on the things that matter most.
Prior to being elected to the commission in 2021, I served as the Interim City Manager during the pandemic and learned so much about how our city works. Prior to that, I was the director of a local non-profit after a career of international humanitarian aid work, and I believe my experience with management, leadership, service and policy issues provide a strong foundation for the city commission.
As I engage with the community, the issues I hear most are: housing affordability, supporting local business and innovation, preserving our public lands, and delivering high quality city services. The issues of connectivity, walkability and transportation are also important to many in the city. I think it's important that our budget reflects these priorities, and I will continue to work to ensure that we are able to address the things that matter most with the funds that we have.
In my time on the commission I have been grateful to hear from so many people about things that we could improve, and also things we should celebrate. I am always open to learn more about issues that matter and welcome input, feedback, and questions from the community.
Campaign Phone
4062025179
Education and Occupation
Executive Director of Montana Rural Water Systems
I’m running for Helena City Commission because I care deeply about this community and believe my experience can help guide responsible, long-term decisions. Helena is facing critical issues related to housing, infrastructure, land use, and sustainability. I’ve spent my career in public service, managing real-world systems that impact daily life, and I want to use that knowledge to support practical, transparent policies that serve all residents. I’m committed to protecting what makes Helena special: our trails, public lands, and strong neighborhoods, while planning for a livable and sustainable future. I believe city government should be responsive, grounded in community values, and focused on making informed, fair decisions.
I bring a decade of public sector experience. I served as the City of Helena’s Water Treatment Superintendent, where I managed a multi-million-dollar budget, developed operational plans, supported staffing, and led emergency response, including coordinating a major water line repair on Christmas morning. I serve as Executive Director of Montana Rural Water Systems, a nonprofit supporting over 260 rural and tribal communities statewide. I help communities secure funding, navigate regulations, and plan infrastructure projects. I also serve on the board of directors for the Montana Section of the American Water Works Association. My leadership roles have given me a deep understanding of how policy, infrastructure, and public services intersect
Helena’s challenges include housing affordability, aging infrastructure, and balancing growth with the protection of our natural and public spaces. If elected, I’ll focus on responsible land use, long-term infrastructure planning, and keeping Helena livable for all residents. I believe we need to invest in core services, ensure housing is accessible across income levels, and plan development that reflects our community’s character. I also believe our schools are a vital part of our city’s infrastructure and must be considered in planning decisions. With my experience managing city systems and working across Montana on rural infrastructure, I know how to prioritize long-term needs while staying responsive to current challenges.
I’m a third-generation water professional and lifelong public servant. I believe leadership means doing the work, listening to the people you serve, and following through with integrity. I’ve helped communities plan for drought, secure federal infrastructure funding, and respond to emergencies because I’ve been in the field, not just at the policy table. I’m not running to push a personal agenda. I’m running because I’ve seen what it takes to make city government work for real people. I value transparency, equity, and smart planning. I know how decisions at City Hall affect families, neighborhoods, and future generations. I’ll bring thoughtful, qualified leadership that’s grounded in experience and driven by a commitment to service.
Campaign Phone
4069166557
Education and Occupation
Retired
I’m running for the Helena City Commission because our community deserves leadership that listens, acts, and prioritizes Helena. For too long, I’ve watched decisions made in this city reflect outside political agendas instead of the will of our voters. I believe in a local government that’s accountable to the people who live and work here, not to special interests.
I have served Helena for over a decade through public safety and community work, including volunteering with the Helena Police Department and training in the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff's Reserve Program. Despite our population tripling, police and fire staffing levels have remained unchanged for decades. I will fund new hires by cutting waste in the current budget, not by raising taxes.
I will defend Helena's independence from outside political influence and ensure decisions reflect the will of our residents. I support flying only the U.S., Montana, and Helena city flags on public property to keep civic spaces neutral and representative of all citizens.
Helena is facing three significant challenges: ensuring public safety, maintaining fiscal responsibility, and exercising control over her own decisions. Our police and fire departments haven't had staffing increases in decades, despite our population having tripled. I'll fund new hires by cutting waste, not raising taxes. I'll protect Helena's independence from outside political agendas and make sure our spending reflects the will of our voters.
My focus is simple: keep Helena safe, protect our independence, and spend taxpayer dollars wisely.
Yes. I want voters to know that my positions are grounded in service, not politics. I've spent more than a decade working alongside Helena's first responders, volunteering with local nonprofits, and listening to our community's concerns.
I believe in protecting Helena's independence, keeping our public spaces neutral and respectful of all residents, and making decisions based on the will of the people who live here, not on outside agendas.
I will never vote to raise taxes when we can make more innovative use of the resources we already have. My goal is simple: keep Helena safe, fiscally responsible, and true to itself.
