Why are you running for office?

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What experiences have prepared you to serve effectively in this role?

I am a proven leader with both law enforcement and human services experience. I currently work directly with adults who have disabilities, so I'm well-versed in advocating for others. I am the managing partner of ADS Protection Agency of White Bear Lake & have served on the board for HFC United (Hastings) soccer league. I am a very active dad and very good at prioritizing and troubleshooting critical issues.

What are your top three priorities if elected?

Fiscal Responsibility

Transparency

Social Justice

How do plan to address your top priorities?

Through teamwork, collaborating with fellow councilmembers to improve existing processes, bring transparency, and include new practices that will put the power back in the hands of the people of Red Wing.

What do you believe is the greatest challenge facing the people you hope to represent?

Financial Stress and adversity. Ward 4 is often an afterthought & last to receive funding and new projects. I would like to collaborate with the other councilmembers to ease the environmental and financial pressure as much as possible from the local level.

Public service requires collaboration. How would you work with individuals who hold different viewpoints?

I like to think of myself as a master collaborator. I do a lot of research, more than just google. I source data from a variety of sources and know how to focus data points to strengthen my position. I am an open minded communicator & I think that is essential for starting and maintaining negotiations. I like to openly brainstorm and work as a team to find common ground that we can all gain from.

How will you communicate with and remain accessible to your constituents?

I have put my contact information on website, Facebook page, and on the secretary of state listing of my candidacy. If elected, I plan on converting my website, email, and Facebook page into a hub for 2 way communications. I will post regularly to help inform my constituents and be responsive to their thoughts and needs through those avenues.

At the end of your term, what accomplishments would define success?

Lower the city's financial liabilities. Elevate the infrastructure in Ward 4 to match every other area of the city. Set a high standard for open communication and foster a well informed constituency so that any future leaders are held to that expectation. Bring back a sense of collaboration with the public and erase the notion that our local leaders can just make decisions without consulting the public.

Tell voters something about yourself outside of politics.

I am a father of 2 amazing young men, age 9 & 11. I am a reliable & trustworthy friend, advisor, and advocate for most of the people I meet. I grew up in a small town on a farm in Indiana, so I know how to dig in when times are tough and get things done. You won't find someone with more determination, empathy, persistence, and stamina than me. I am a quiet person, but when it's appropriate I make myself heard. I am often complimented on my stoicism & candor. I believe you don't have to have the loudest voice to be heard, but when you say something you own it. I don’t back down from adversity & I live to serve and will always put others before myself.