I believe the city I grew up loving has declined over the last few years, and during COVID it became apparent that our local leadership was not addressing some immediate needs in our community. The love of my city, the lack of community representation and a strong desire to bring people together prompted me to run for San Luis Obispo City Council. We need a new perspective that better represents the people of SLO. I will work with public and private partners to solve the economic and safety issues in our community. I am in a unique place to reconcile the social issues we have been grappling with as well.
What makes you qualified for the job?:
My experience in leading teams of people in athletics and in business has taught me how to build consensus and account for a diverse set of needs. As a small business consultant, I am aware of the economic challenges in SLO and prepared to address those immediate needs. As a former corrections officer, I understand the challenges that the public sector is faced with balancing public safety, economic demands and civil unrest. My personal achievements as a Division 1 All-American athlete speak to my drive and work ethic. I demand the highest level of accountability, communication, leadership, and character of myself and those around me.
What are your two main priorities if you win?:
Addressing public safety/homelessness and San Luis Obispo’s economic recovery are my two top priorities. I have already started discussing solutions with private companies who have had success with homelessness in other communities. We lack enough accommodations for the number of homeless we have living in our city. This complex issue is also a drug addiction and mental health issue that we need more resources to address adequately. Creating incentives and opportunities for businesses in our city through city led programs and workshops for first time business owners. Marketing to our diverse communities to come forward and take risks. Rethinking how empty buildings can and should be used to bring vibrancy to our downtown. I encourage people to visit my website to learn more about my stance on these issues as well as others.
How will you interact with other governments?:
I’m a solutions-focused pragmatist. I believe in listening to all sides of the argument to better understand the big picture. I have always been registered 'no party affiliation' and believe party politics should not be used as a guide for city policy decisions. I want to represent and serve the whole city and be a unifying voice for a variety of viewpoints.
What are your plans to help overcome COVID-19?:
By continuing to follow local and state guidelines we can keep our citizens safe and support the businesses reopening. We must educate our community and empower them to make informed decisions to keep themselves and others safe. We should be informing business owners on how they can safely reopen and stay open. I have been supporting several local businesses through this crisis by providing resources available to them.
Which two issues are most important to you?:
The issue most near and dear to my heart is our youth and how we empower and shape their future. I coach high school athletes because I know what a difference that made in what I accomplished and who I am today. I want to see more mentoring programs and athletic opportunities for our youth. Another important issue for me is civility. I love this community and watching the divisiveness and hate is heartbreaking. We need to come together, listen and be open to disagreeing. We are all neighbors, friends and family connected by one or two people in this community. We all want a better, inclusive future for all, even if we disagree about how we get there.
