Explaining myself to engaged citizens at an event – Summer 2022
I’m running because I want to get back to the basics of non-partisan elected officials serving at the local level. Partisan politics has seeped into all levels of government – and at the local level, it’s begun to take priority over constituent services. We end up in feuds over mask mandates while ignoring other pressing issues. We need more middle-of-the-road representation. Someone who values compromise and consensus.
I’m running to represent the people, to listen to and address their concerns. I’m running to reduce the level of partisanship and animosity we find in our community. The city council, specifically, is supposed to be non-partisan yet sadly we can see divisive people attempting to change that.
I’m running with a focus on public safety because while we may disagree and argue about best policing practices, we all agree on the need for us to be safe. And as we see all across America, crime is ticking up.
I’m running because I want to improve our quality of life. Better roads, nicer parks, safer streets, and a more welcoming community for all. We need to work to eliminate problem properties and work towards fair enforcement of our ordinances and zoning regulations.
I will be laying out more detailed issues as this campaign goes forward, but I wanted to give you my reasons for running. Perhaps I’m naive in thinking that we can make local government operate without the partisanship and division – but it’s what I am striving for.
Thank you.