My Mission

My Commitment

"The mission I will take on as your City Council representative is to fully use my knowledge, experience, and practical judgment to tirelessly work for the good of all of Merriam.

I will actively seek out the collective knowledge of my constituents and will apply the wisdom gained from that input when deciding on the multitude of issues, large and small, that come before the City Council.

I intend to build on our community's past successes, avoid past mistakes, and keep Merriam strong and vibrant in the future."

My Merriam Vision

Town within a city

"I am running for office because I wish to use my experience, knowledge, and commitment to give something positive back to the community that I love.

When I moved to Merriam 13 years ago, I planted 18 fruit trees because I planned to make Merriam my long term home. Now those trees are beautiful and produce tasty cherries, apricots, peaches, plums, pears, and apples. I plan to stay and enjoy my little piece of heaven.

I want to keep Merriam a place that people will want to come to either as new residents, visitors, or small business owners and put down roots. I will work hard to make that goal a reality.

This includes strong support for local schools, keeping a well maintained street system, providing for public safety, and providing an efficient, user-friendly municipal government positively engaged in an outward facing conversation with residents. That communication must result in providing a positive community environment for residents to live and work (if they choose)."

Guiding Principles

Priorities

Some of this should go without saying, but the main priorities a Merriam City Council member's job description should include are:

• To maintain and improve our community's infrastructure, including our streets, sidewalks, water runoff systems, parks, public safety, and fire protection services.
• To govern with fiscal responsibility. Plan for the downturns.
• To maintain Merriam's attractiveness as a destination community to move to for young metro area families.
• To strike a balance between the meeting the needs of community stakeholder groups, with the broader interests of our residents at the forefront of decision making.
• To make sure city ordinances are updated to reflect current situations as technology changes the way we live and work.
• To find creative ways to resolve special case situations where elderly residents may need some extra help complying with municipal ordinances. Fines and citations should be a last resort, not a first contact.
• To maintain our community identity by preserving and enhancing our historical downtown district.

Engagement

Two way communication

"If I am fortunate enough to be chosen as your representative on the Merriam City Council, I will maintain a comprehensive two-way dialog with my fellow residents.

As a start, I plan to keep the contact feature of this website active as an easy to use way to get in touch with me. You will be able to send me a message from your smart phone. Any serious inquiry or comment will be responded to personally. I want to help. I need to know what is working well and what is not. I will stay fully engaged.

My phone number will always be an option for reaching out as well and will be listed on my campaign site. Voice or text conversations are welcomed."