Currently holds the office of Ashland City Council - Position 3 until December 31, 2028.
Candidate for Ashland City Council - Position 3 in 2024 Oregon General Election.
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Get StartedStrengthening Ashland Fire & Rescue and Emergency Preparedness: As wildfires and other natural disasters become more frequent and intense, it is critical that we strengthen Ashland Fire & Rescue and prioritize emergency preparedness. I am a strong advocate for increased funding and resources for our fire department, including support for the single role EMS program to ensure we have adequate medical services while keeping firefighters available for emergencies. Additionally, I support ongoing watershed management and wildfire mitigation efforts to reduce the risk of fires and protect our community. By investing in fire prevention and emergency response capabilities, we can ensure that Ashland is prepared to handle both immediate crises and long-term threats. Learn more
Focusing on Holistic Approaches to Public Safety: True public safety is about more than just law enforcement and emergency response. It requires addressing the underlying issues that lead to crime and emergencies, such as poverty, mental health challenges, and substance abuse. I support a holistic approach that includes investments in social services, mental health care, and housing support to prevent issues before they become public safety concerns. By working in partnership with community organizations and service providers, we can create a more comprehensive public safety system that emphasizes prevention, rehabilitation, and care for vulnerable populations. Learn more
Supporting Ashland’s Police Department and Community Policing: The Ashland Police Department plays a vital role in keeping our community safe, and I strongly support their efforts to continue providing excellent service through community-oriented policing. I believe in a policing approach that focuses on building relationships between officers and residents, fostering trust, and emphasizing de-escalation and conflict resolution. Ashland’s culture of community policing has proven effective in maintaining public safety while addressing community concerns. I also support continued investments in training, particularly in areas such as mental health response, bias awareness, and crisis intervention, to ensure our officers have the tools they need to serve the diverse needs of our community. Learn more
Diversifying the Economy Through Outdoor Recreation: Ashland has incredible potential to expand its outdoor recreation sector, particularly in activities like mountain biking, hiking, and eco-tourism. Our natural environment is one of our greatest assets, and by promoting outdoor recreation opportunities, we can attract a new segment of visitors while supporting local businesses. Ashland is already highly rated as a mountain biking destination, and with additional investments in trails, infrastructure, and marketing, we can further elevate our status as a premier outdoor recreation hub. This will help diversify our tourist economy while drawing a broader range of visitors. Learn more
Supporting Small-Batch, Light Manufacturing: One of the most effective ways to create high-paying, sustainable jobs is by encouraging the growth of small-batch, light manufacturing businesses. Ashland’s creative and entrepreneurial spirit is well-suited for industries such as artisanal food production, craft goods, and niche manufacturing. By proactively recruiting and retaining these types of businesses, we can provide a stable economic base that offers quality jobs and strengthens our community’s economic resilience. We must also streamline the regulatory process and provide the necessary support to make Ashland an attractive destination for these enterprises. Learn more
Fostering Economic Opportunities: Job and life skills training is central to helping people exit homelessness. By partnering with local businesses, nonprofits, and workforce development agencies, we can create opportunities for individuals to gain meaningful employment and reintegrate into the workforce. Programs that focus on financial literacy, job readiness, and basic life skills are crucial to this effort and will empower people to build self-sufficient lives. Learn more
Promoting Sustainable, Climate-Resilient Infrastructure: As we confront the realities of climate change, Ashland must lead by example in implementing climate-resilient infrastructure. I support incorporating green infrastructure solutions like enhanced stormwater management, rain gardens, and permeable pavements to protect our natural resources and reduce flood risks. Additionally, we must focus on renewable energy, energy-efficient public buildings, and infrastructure designed to withstand extreme weather events. Our long-term infrastructure investments must prioritize sustainability to safeguard our community’s future. Future planning is one of the greatest responsibilities our local leaders have. We must also do so with a balanced approach. There will be some projects where it just does not make economic sense at the time to make significant upgrades. Those are the hard conversations that a City Councilor should be having and I have demonstrated my ability to do so in a respectful and collaborative way. Learn more
Focus on Strategic Expansion for Attainable Housing: If UGB expansion is necessary, it should be focused on providing attainable and workforce housing. SB 1537 allows for a targeted expansion that aligns with Ashland’s Housing Production Strategy, ensuring that new developments are designed to meet the needs of current and future residents, particularly those in lower- and middle-income brackets. Expanding for this purpose will help address our housing crisis without contributing to unnecessary sprawl. Learn more
Modernizing and Maintaining Essential Infrastructure: Our roads, water systems, sewer networks, and utilities are the backbone of our community. I support proactive investment to modernize and maintain these critical systems, ensuring that they remain reliable and efficient. Ashland must stay ahead of the curve by upgrading our water treatment and distribution systems, repairing roads and sidewalks, and improving sewer infrastructure. By doing so, we can avoid costly emergency repairs while supporting the needs of a growing population. As a City Councilor I have consistently voted for improvements to our roads (we all know where the potholes are, and we can do better). I also voted for the favorable terms through the EPA to build the new plant. This was a pragmatic and fiscally responsible approach to solve the problem of our aging treatment plant. It allows the City to borrow up to a certain amount on an as needed basis. Think of it like a line of credit. By securing this funding it allows for the City to begin applying for Federal and State grants, to offset the costs incurred by residents. Learn more
Protect Open Spaces and Natural Resources: The expansion process must include protections for Ashland’s unique natural landscapes, including agricultural lands and watershed areas, to prevent ecological degradation. Any growth should be directed away from these sensitive areas, preserving our region’s environmental integrity. Learn more
Encourage Transit-Oriented Development: By focusing new development along key transit corridors and promoting walkable neighborhoods, we can reduce traffic congestion and dependence on single-occupancy vehicles. A UGB expansion should be accompanied by investments in public transportation, bike lanes, and pedestrian infrastructure to create a more sustainable urban environment. Learn more
Expanding Digital and Broadband Access: I have been a strong proponent of Ashland’s direct fiber connection pilot program, and I fully support expanding this service citywide. Fast, reliable internet access is essential for residents and businesses alike. Expanding the city’s fiber network will support economic development, enhance remote work opportunities, and provide equitable access to education and telehealth services. A citywide fiber network will also help Ashland remain competitive in a digital-first world, ensuring that every resident benefits from high-speed connectivity. This program highlights how we as a community can leverage our public utilities in a way that other cities can not. Creative solutions and measured implementation is something I have been very proud of in my time on council. I will continue this approach if elected. Learn more
Prioritize Infill Development and Redevelopment: Before expanding the UGB, we must maximize the potential of underutilized land within our existing boundary. This includes redeveloping vacant or underdeveloped properties and encouraging higher-density housing in areas close to transit, schools, and job centers. By promoting infill development, we can accommodate more residents without extending infrastructure or straining our resources. Learn more
Rehabilitation-Centered Approach: Addressing homelessness requires more than shelter—it requires pathways to rehabilitation. I advocate for increased funding and resources for rehabilitation programs that focus on mental health, substance abuse recovery, and addressing trauma. These services are critical for individuals who need comprehensive support to stabilize their lives and make lasting progress. Learn more
Investing in Services for Rehabilitation and Skills Development: While Ashland currently has adequate shelter capacity, we must shift our focus toward addressing the root causes of homelessness through enhanced services. This includes expanding access to mental health support, addiction recovery programs, and life skills training. Additionally, job training and workforce development are essential to helping individuals regain independence and transition back into stable, productive lives. By investing in these services, we can offer long-term solutions that help people not just survive, but thrive. Learn more
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