Position for which you are a candidate: Elgin Council Member

First and foremost, I want to express my deep love for Elgin. I have been proud to call this city my home since 2009, moving here shortly after my retirement following a fulfilling 22-year career in the United States Army. Though I may be considered a transplant, Elgin quickly captured my heart when I joined the Elgin Police Department later that same year. In my role as an officer, I had the privilege of meeting and interacting with the wonderful residents of Elgin—during both good times and challenging moments. It was through these experiences that I learned just how special this city truly is. I became fully invested in serving our community in various ways, dedicating myself to the mission of improving our city across all fronts. I give my full commitment to work tirelessly for every resident of Elgin. My vision is to transform our city into a destination location—a place where people and families can thrive, drawn in by our vibrant businesses, our bustling downtown area, and our beautiful location on the Fox River. We have many challenges ahead of us, and there is much to address and accomplish together. But, I genuinely believe that by uniting our efforts, we can build opportunities, enhance our community, and forge a stronger, brighter future for Elgin. By fostering greater community involvement and encouraging participation, we will not only invest in the future of the city we cherish, but also showcase to those around us why Elgin is the best place to call home for everyone.

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

With over 22 years of military leadership culminating in the rank of First Sergeant, my diverse background encompasses significant roles in community service, including Commander of a local Veterans organization, where I prioritized outreach and support for Veterans in crisis. My tenure as a Commissioner on the Elgin Image Advisory Commission enabled me to positively influence community development through recognition initiatives, while as President of the Elgin Patriotic Memorial Association, I orchestrated multi-location Memorial Day events to honor our fallen heroes. Coupled with my Master’s Degree in Public Administration and expertise in budgeting and city management, I am well-prepared to serve on the City Council and contribute effectively to our community’s growth and well-being.

What will be your highest priorities if elected?

I recognize the importance of revitalizing our historic downtown area. I will strive to secure increased grants for property and business owners as part of a comprehensive program aimed at rejuvenating this vital part of our community. This revitalization will be a top priority, incentivizing private investment not only to preserve our historic buildings, but also to create modern spaces. I will also introduce a no public camping ordinance in the city of Elgin. I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to the current council members for their efforts in addressing this pressing issue. However, I believe it is crucial to acknowledge that the attention this matter is receiving now should have come much earlier—long before the recent fires prompted an emergency response. My plan is for a long-term approach in partnership with social service agencies. This will include a dedicated brick-and-mortar location providing co-located services for employment counseling, training, and placement, along with essential medical and mental health resources. While we are fortunate to have a great Police Department in Elgin, we must also tackle the critical issue of gunfire incidents, which reached concerning levels in 2024. I am committed to working with city officials to develop a realistic and strategic approach to reducing gun-related incidents, ensuring the safety of our neighborhoods, and fostering a sense of security for all residents. Together, we can breathe new life into Elgin, strengthening our local economy and fostering a vibrant community where all residents can thrive.

I will participate in the candidate meet & greet: