I believe local government works best when people feel heard, respected, and included. That’s the kind of councilor I want to be: accessible, present in the community, willing to listen, and committed to following through.
I’m running for Belfast City Council because experience and fresh energy can work together to meet the challenges ahead. We need to manage growth thoughtfully, modernize the infrastructure we already have, protect our tax dollars, and keep Belfast a place where families can live, work, and put down roots for generations.
My priorities are straightforward. I want to strengthen community engagement so residents have meaningful opportunities to participate in decisions. I want to build productive partnerships with Waldo County, our schools, local businesses, and community organizations. And I want to support a resilient local economy while recognizing the real cost-of-living pressures facing Belfast—including property taxes, valuations, and city fees.
These pressures affect families, older residents, homeowners, renters, and small businesses in different ways. Responsible stewardship means carefully scrutinizing proposed spending and clearly explaining difficult choices.
I won’t go into office committed to an automatic yes—or an automatic no—on any spending or tax proposal. I will consider the need, the alternatives, the sustainability, and the community's priorities before deciding.
Belfast has a strong foundation. If we listen to one another, work across the community, and make thoughtful decisions, we can keep our city welcoming, resilient, and affordable. That’s why I’m running: to serve, to listen, and to help Belfast move forward together.
I want to meet people where they are: in neighborhoods, workplaces, schools, senior housing, and community groups. Coffee at your favorite spot, on your porch, or at a neighborhood gathering—I’ll listen, learn, and follow through, especially by centering voices that are too often unheard.
A key focus for me: the City needs to communicate more effectively with the public.
That means:
Belfast works best when we work together. I’ll build practical, respectful partnerships with the County, RSU, local nonprofits and businesses, and our state and federal delegation—so we can tackle shared challenges, win resources, and deliver results faster.
I also want a more collaborative working relationship with the RSU and County so everyone understands how each budget impacts taxpayers. We can’t keep working in silos—city, school, and county budgets all affect the same residents, and we need to plan with coordination and transparency.
We can support local businesses with predictable processes and fair rules, and use city-owned properties smartly and efficiently. We also need to expand housing options and support smart growth—while protecting what makes Belfast, Belfast: our working waterfront, downtown, and the airport business park, for example.
Affordability and rising property taxes are real—and residents deserve clear, accessible information about budgets, major decisions, and timelines. Budgets should reflect community priorities, and taxpayers should expect accountability.
Budget proposals should be easy to find, easy to understand, and built around community priorities. We don’t have to reinvent the wheel—we can learn from great examples across the Midcoast.
“Fix it first.” I’ll prioritize preventive maintenance for roads, sidewalks, and city facilities so we catch problems early, reduce long-term costs, and improve safety and accessibility for everyone.
For example, I’ll work to ensure we adequately fund sidewalk and road repairs to maximize the lifespan of this infrastructure and avoid costly replacements.
If these priorities resonate with you, I’d love to hear what you want City Hall to focus on most. What’s working—and what needs to change?
Have questions or suggestions? I would love to hear from you!
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916 Silver Spur Rd, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274