Position for which you are a candidate: Elgin Council Member

I’m running for a second term because I’ve seen how local government can either unite or divide us. At a time when technology often isolates us and social media amplifies conflict, we need leadership that brings people back to meaningful conversations, both literally and figuratively.

During my first term, I witnessed both the challenges and opportunities our community faces. Beyond balancing budgets and passing new policy I’ve now served four years as a representative in an era where many retreat into ideological corners of the internet, Elgin needs leaders who prioritize face-to-face dialogue and pragmatic problem-solving over divisive rhetoric.

We need to modernize services in a way that preserves the connections that make Elgin a community, not just a place to live. Leaders must tackle big issues like housing, infrastructure, and changes at the federal and state level that impact us here is Elgin, while ensuring every decision reflects compassion and understanding.

That’s the kind of leadership I’m committed to continuing. Grounded in connection, driven by practical solutions, and focused on bringing people together. Elgin deserves leadership that works for everyone, and I’m ready to keep delivering it.

What experience and background do you have which qualifies you for this position?

My path to public service wasn’t through traditional politics, but through the gritty reality of small business and community involvement. Working behind the bar at Elgin Public House, I learned more about our city’s needs than any textbook could teach. From the daily struggles of working families to the dreams of entrepreneurs trying to make it work downtown.

This hands-on experience shaped my approach to governance. A decade of involvement with our strategic planning work taught me how to turn community vision into actionable policy. Years of analyzing budgets and city data led to tools that make government more transparent and accessible. My background in technology means I can bridge the gap between traditional service delivery and modern innovation.

But perhaps most importantly, I’ve built relationships across every corner of our community. From longtime residents to newcomers, from business owners to nonprofit leaders. These connections aren’t just about networking; they’re about understanding the real challenges our community faces and building the trust necessary to solve them together.

Four years on council has only deepened my conviction that effective local government requires both vision and practical know-how. I’ve proven I can deliver both: pioneering new approaches to government transparency that transformed how residents interact with city data, building expertise in how emerging technologies like AI can revolutionize local services, and maintaining the vital stability that allows our professional staff to innovate rather than just survive.

What will be your highest priorities if elected?

Our city faces urgent challenges that demand both immediate action and sustained focus. The recent fires at Tent City aren’t just headlines, they’re desperate signals that our housing crisis has reached a breaking point. That’s why I’ve been pushing to accelerate our Housing First program, turning rhetoric into real solutions.

But the foundations of our community need attention too. We still have thousands of lead service lines threading through our neighborhoods. This isn’t just about replacing pipes; it’s about securing our water future and protecting our most vulnerable residents.

As a renter, I understand the pressures of rising housing costs. We need creative solutions to expand housing options while preserving Elgin’s unique character. Housing is about more than having a roof over your head. It is about building a community where everyone can thrive, whether they rent or own, whether they have a car or not.

Looking ahead, we must also position Elgin to responsibly leverage emerging technologies while strengthening the human connections that make our community real. This means moving beyond social media to create more meaningful ways for residents to engage with their local government.

These priorities reflect my commitment to building a city that works for everyone – where decisions are driven by data but guided by compassion, and where innovation serves human connection rather than replacing it.

I will participate in the candidate meet & greet: