Issues that are important to me and Why I am running for Mayor!
Low Taxes, Fiscal Responsibility, & Economic Growth
I am committed to ensuring that our city thrives economically while alleviating the tax burden on our residents. Just as your family has to budget and live within its means, so should the government. With the rising cost of everyday living, it’s more important than ever to prioritize fiscal responsibility. Using my experience as a long-time small business owner, I know what it takes to manage budgets and optimize resources. I am committed to bringing the same level of dedication and careful management to our city’s leadership.
A thriving city requires not only sound financial practices but also strategic planning and resource management. By carefully assessing our city’s needs and prioritizing essential services, we can allocate resources more effectively and avoid wasteful spending. This approach will allow us to invest in critical areas that enhance the quality of life for our residents, such as maintaining infrastructure and improving public services.
Managing our budget responsibly means planning for the future. We must continue to build a solid financial foundation that can weather economic challenges, ensuring our city remains resilient and prepared for unforeseen circumstances while keeping the tax burden low for our residents.
Public Safety: Police & Fire Departments
Keeping Lexington a safe and secure place to live is my top priority. Our police officers and firefighters are the backbone of our community, and I am fully committed to making sure they have everything they need to do their jobs well. Whether it’s the right equipment, proper training, or the resources to respond quickly, I’m dedicated to giving our first responders the support they deserve.
I take immense pride in the Lexington Fire Department and the Centennial Lakes Police Department. These men and women are not just doing their jobs; they’re going above and beyond to protect and serve our city. Their dedication to our city is evident in the numerous awards and accolades our officers and firefighters have earned over the years, but more importantly, it shows in the way they care for our community every single day.
We’re incredibly fortunate to have such committed and skilled professionals looking out for us. They’re the ones we rely on when things go wrong, whether it’s a fire, a medical emergency, or any other crisis. My goal is to ensure they have everything they need to keep doing what they do best—keeping us safe.
But it’s not just about the big emergencies; it’s about day-to-day safety too. I’m focused on making sure our police and fire departments are prepared for anything, from minor incidents to major disasters. By investing in their training and equipment, we can be confident that when we need them, they’ll be ready.
City Infrastructure: Water, Roads, & Parks
The Blaine v. Lexington water lawsuit is a pivotal issue for our city. As the former mayor, I bring years of in-depth knowledge of our water system, having spent countless hours in closed-session meetings with our city engineers, city council, and staff. I fully understand the challenges we face as we approach the upcoming trial in 2025. I am committed to protecting Lexington’s water rights and ensuring our residents receive high-quality water services.
However, our commitment to infrastructure extends beyond just water. The roads and parks in Lexington are vital to the quality of life we enjoy in our community. Our parks, in particular, are the heart of our city, offering spaces for recreation, relaxation, and connection. I am dedicated to enhancing our facilities, expanding outdoor activities, and ensuring that our children and families have safe and enjoyable places to gather.
Likewise, we will continue to maintain our roadways, ensuring they are safe and efficient. Our roads are the arteries of our community, and keeping them in top condition is essential. Nearly all of the city roads have been refinished since I joined the council in 2016.
Balanced Development & Quality of Life
Maintaining a balanced approach to development is crucial for preserving the quality of life in Lexington. I firmly believe that our community must be cautious about further high-density development, and I do not support any such future developments. While I understand that not everyone favored the recent developments, it’s important to recognize that we now have new residents living in Lexington. New residents who support our local restaurants, churches, schools, and businesses.
The tough decisions the City Council had to make in 2016 were not easy ones. We were presented with the choice of either drastically increasing city taxes to pay for vital services or allowing new developments to absorb the increased costs of city services, ultimately reducing the overall tax burden for our residents.
Looking ahead, my vision for Lexington prioritizes sustainable growth and supports the charm of our existing community. I want to see our city flourish by embracing Main Street Values, and supporting our local restaurants and businesses, and improving curb appeal throughout the city. By focusing on balanced development, we can ensure that Lexington remains a welcoming, inviting, and thriving city to live, work, and raise a family.