I’m running for Knox County Mayor because too many people feel like the Knox County government isn’t working for them anymore. Housing costs are rising, traffic and infrastructure challenges are growing, and working families are being squeezed while the same political insiders keep making the decisions. As an ironworker and labor leader, I’ve spent my career standing up for working people and building coalitions to get real results. I’m running to bring that same focus to county government—tackling the housing shortage, investing in infrastructure and public services, strengthening our workforce, and restoring transparency and accountability so Knox County works for the people who live and work here.
As president of the Knoxville-Oak Ridge Central Labor Council, I wake up every day to fight for the thousands of union workers who make our community run: from postal workers to cashiers to welders to musicians in the symphony. My leadership, representing over 30 local unions, has given me great insight into the challenges facing workers across our community. I’m ready to take them on as our next County Mayor – whether it’s working to attract jobs with more competitive wages, fighting for more housing options working families can actually afford, or taking a new and more transparent approach to how county government works. My campaign is about building a local government by and for the working people who make this Knox County run.
The County Mayor’s core responsibility is to manage county government effectively so residents receive reliable services and taxpayer dollars are used wisely. This includes preparing and administering the county budget, overseeing departments and employees, and ensuring essential services like infrastructure, public safety support, and emergency response operate efficiently. The mayor must also coordinate with County Commission and local partners to plan for growth so infrastructure keeps pace with development. Just as important is leading with transparency and accountability so residents can trust their government is working in the public interest.
I bring the perspective of someone who has spent their entire career advocating for working people and building coalitions to solve real problems. As President of the Knoxville-Oak Ridge Central Labor Council, I represent more than 30 unions and thousands of workers across many industries. That role requires listening to different viewpoints, building consensus, and negotiating solutions that move our community forward. My experience as an ironworker and labor leader has taught me the importance of preparation, accountability, and follow-through. I believe leadership means being accessible, making decisions transparently, and focusing on practical results that earn the public’s trust.
My top priorities are housing affordability, strong infrastructure and public services, and a stronger local economy for working families. Knox County faces a housing shortage that is pushing residents out of their communities, and I will support policies that encourage the development of housing people can actually afford while ensuring growth is planned responsibly. I will also prioritize investments in roads, transportation, and emergency services so infrastructure keeps pace with our growing population. Finally, I will focus on workforce development and vocational training to attract good-paying jobs and help working families build stable lives in Knox County.
I’m running because Knox County should work for the people who live and work here—not just the well-connected. I was raised by a single mother who worked hard to support our family, and that experience shaped my lifelong commitment to standing up for working families. As an ironworker and labor leader, I’ve fought to connect people with good-paying jobs and real opportunity. As County Mayor, I’ll focus on affordable housing, responsible planning for growth, strong public services, and transparent government. My goal is simple: make Knox County a place where families can afford to stay, workers can succeed, and residents know their government is on their side.
