Campaign Phone
906-322-0868
Age
62
My top priorities are maintaining strong public safety and essential community services; investing responsibly in streets, water, sewer, parks, and other infrastructure; supporting housing and economic development; and maintaining a stable, consistent, and effective city organization. We have to carefully manage taxpayer dollars while pursuing other funding sources and partnerships that allow us to accomplish more without placing a large burden on local residents. I will continue bringing people together, listening to residents and city employees, and working with local, state, federal, and private-sector partners. The Mayor is one vote on the commission, but also has an important responsibility to build consensus, set a positive tone, and keep the commission focused on practical results for our community.
The Mayor should be a visible ambassador for our community and help maintain a strong working relationship with Sault Ste Marie, Ontario. Although we are in different countries, we share history, families, commerce, tourism, transportation, other opportunities, and we drink the same water and breathe the same air! Recently, I brought State Senator DaMoose to meet with Mayor Shoemaker of Sault Ste Marie, ON, so we could directly discuss current cross- border and economic issues affecting both communities. That is the kind of practical relationship- building a Mayor should provide. I will continue advocating for efficient border travel, supporting joint events such as the International Bridge Walk, and pursuing partnerships that benefit both Saults, regardless of changing national politics.
There is always room to improve snow removal, and I support continually reviewing our practices, learning from each winter, and building on what works best. We have experienced two consecutive years of above-average snowfall, along with some equipment failures that created occasional bottlenecks. Even with those challenges, our crews have generally done a very good job under difficult conditions. I would support evaluating equipment needs, staffing, routes, and best practices so we can improve service for neighborhood streets and in our downtown sidewalk program through the DDA, while remaining fiscally responsible. We should also listen to residents and give particular attention to heavily traveled areas and routes used by seniors, pedestrians, and people with disabilities.
I support transparency, consistency, and accountability in municipal employment decisions. Hiring should follow clearly established qualifications and procedures, and the commission should receive the information necessary to make responsible decisions. When problems arise, they should be addressed promptly, professionally, and according to city policy, employment agreements, and the law. At the same time , personnel matters often involve privacy rights and legal requirements that prevent every detail from being discussed publicly. Transparency does not mean ignoring those protections. It means explaining the process, documenting decisions appropriately, avoiding favoritism or political interference, and holding both leadership and employees accountable to consistent standards.
I have devoted 19 years to serving the people of Sault Ste Marie as a City Commissioner and Mayor. My approach is based on preparation, accessibility, collaborations, and follow-through. I understand that the Mayor has only one vote, but the position also carries a responsibility to represent the entire community, build productive relationships, and create an environment in which the Commission can work together. My service with the Michigan Municipal League and the Michigan Association of Mayors has helped strengthen our city's voice and relationships across the state. My goal is to continue moving the Sault forward through steady leadership, responsible financial decisions, strong partnerships, and a positive vision- while preserving the character that makes our community special.
Campaign Phone
906-630-0894
Over the next two years, my top priorities focus on proactive planning, economic growth, and open governance. We must move beyond reactive short term fixes to establish an aggressive, multi year plan for repairing city roads and other municipal assets. At the same time, we need to foster economic diversification and explore new revenue streams, like expanding beyond seasonal tourism by encouraging year round small business growth, attracting new commercial investments to relieve reliance on local property taxes, and growing local tourism events into multiday experiences. I am committed to transparency and listening to the public voice, prioritizing authentic community engagement so that every resident in our city has an opportunity to be heard rather than just a select few.
The Mayor serves as the primary ambassador for Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and must maintain strong, cooperative ties with our sister city across the border. Our communities share deep historical, cultural, and economic connections. The Mayor's role is to proactively communicate with both local and regional leaders across the border to advocate for shared trade, tourism initiatives, border crossing efficiency, and joint celebrations that highlight our unique heritage as twin cities.
Yes. Efficient snow management is critical for community safety, and economic health during our long winter seasons.
I will continue to advocate for smarter, faster snowbank removal. Additionally, I have pushed for the creation of a dedicated snowfall contingency fund. Constructing our budget to build targeted financial reserves for seasons of heavy snowfall, will empower the city with the needed finances for necessary overtime or contracted services to keep streets clear and snowbanks managed in a timely, efficient manner. Winter conditions should not paralyze small businesses or leave citizens with unsafe conditions. While praising our frontline crews for their hard work, I support regular reviews of our plowing and removal processes and schedules to ensure maximum efficiency.
Transparency, due process, and clear communication are non-negotiable pillars of responsible municipal government. High-level leadership transitions or abrupt administrative decisions can leave residents and business owners feeling blindsided and create unnecessary division. I support strict adherence to fair procedures, clear public communication, and proper commission oversight in such a way that all personnel decisions protect city workers' rights, while preserving stability, and maintaining the trust of our taxpayers.
I moved to Sault Ste. Marie in 1998 to attend Lake Superior State University and chose to raise my family here. My background includes over 20 years in ministry, service as Assistant Athletic Director at LSSU, former school board member and many local volunteer work engagements.
Since joining the City Commission in 2022, my goal has been to advocate for all community members, bridge gaps, and lead with integrity. I believe effective leadership requires active listening, mutual respect, and a commitment to uniting our community around a shared vision for the future.
