My Bio
I’m proud to have called New Plymouth home for six years, and I’ve been honored to serve at City Hall since July 2023. Every day, I had the privilege of connecting with amazing individuals – new and lifelong residents, local business owners, and dedicated public servants – who share my love for this city.
My tenure as Deputy Clerk has given me a unique insight into the inner workings of City Hall, and I’ve identified areas where we can grow and improve. Over the past year and a half, I’ve witnessed firsthand the challenges and triumphs that have taught me invaluable lessons. These experiences will guide me as I strive to propel our city forward with integrity, accountability, and effectiveness.
Leadership in public service is not about claiming to know it all. It is about drawing on the wisdom, talents, and strengths of others—and working together to build something lasting. True leadership is rooted in humility, vision, and service.
As mayor, I will not pretend to have every answer. Instead, I will surround myself with people who bring expertise and fresh perspectives, empowering them to help shape our city’s future. Where one of us has a weakness, another has a strength. Leadership means creating the space for others to rise, learn, and lead alongside us.
Looking Beyond the Present
Municipal leadership cannot be measured only in short-term wins or political cycles. It requires foresight—the ability to make decisions today that will strengthen New Plymouth for decades to come. It also requires leaders and partners willing to make decisions and see them through. We must anticipate growth, plan for change while still protecting what we love, and ensure that the foundation we build now will serve our children and grandchildren.
People First
Policies and ordinances matter, but the heart of local government is people. Leadership means ensuring every resident has a voice, that government is accessible, and that services are delivered with civility, fairness and transparency.
Investing in our youth is especially critical—they are the future leaders and stewards of our community. At the same time, we must be open to learning from the elders among us, whose wisdom and lived experience offer guidance that no textbook or training can provide. When young energy and innovation combine with the wisdom of experience, our community becomes stronger and more resilient. I support exploring the idea of supporting student internships in partnership with the local high school so that the youth may be inspired to serve in the future.
Legacy Through Service
Ultimately, the legacy of leadership is not found in titles or ribbon-cuttings, but in the lives improved, neighborhoods strengthened, and opportunities created. Outer achievements may fade with time, but the impact of service and integrity endures.
My vision for New Plymouth is one where economic opportunity, infrastructure, and community pride grow hand in hand. By practicing servant leadership—putting people first, planning for the long term, and collaborating across all levels—we can build a stronger, more resilient future.
That is the work of true public service. And that is the vision I am committed to leading.
My Key Issues
Modernizing Ordinances
Update outdated ordinances under the new Comprehensive Plan to create fair, consistent, and predictable rules. This work provides clarity for property owners, protects the city from liability, and ensures growth matches community values. I support making our progress transparent and available to the public.
Revitalizing Main Street & Neighborhood Renewal
Propose 'Renew New Plymouth' to rehabilitate older homes and revitalize downtown buildings with underutilized grant funds. By restoring neighborhoods and attracting new investment, we can grow the tax base, improve safety, and preserve small-town charm. I will rely on local partnerships to ensure that we focus on obtaining grand money and fundraising to help fund this goal.
Improving ADA Access
Invest in ADA upgrades—automatic doors, improved sound systems, and accessible parks—so every resident can take part fully in civic life. Grants can fund these projects, reducing the burden on taxpayers while making New Plymouth inclusive for all.
Parking Solutions Downtown
Improve parking for employees, businesses, and patrons by repurposing underutilized lots. Better parking supports downtown businesses, reduces congestion, and encourages community events.
Smart Growth & Impact Fees
Adopt an impact fee system to ensure new development contributes to the infrastructure and amenities it relies on. Fee-in-lieu payments can help fund new parks, recreation facilities, and other projects linked to growth. Growth needs to pay for itself.
Expanding Greenbelts & Open Space
Expand greenbelt trails, parks, and community traditions while encouraging development to contribute to recreation. This will strengthen neighborhoods, support healthy lifestyles, and attract families and visitors.
Safe Connections Downtown
Create safer pedestrian and bike access across Highway 30 and throughout town with better sidewalks and intersection design. Safe connections reduce traffic risks and link neighborhoods, schools, and parks more effectively.
Strengthening The Library
I support expanding hours and programs at the library to meet the needs of a growing community. Partnerships with schools and state agencies can provide technology training, career support, and community workshops.
Celebrating Community Events
Encourage seasonal events like Music in the Park, Car Rallies, Trunk or Treats, and the Tractor Light Parade, while supporting new traditions. Events bring families together, strengthen small businesses, and make New Plymouth a regional destination.
Workforce Development & Accountability
Adopt comprehensive personnel policies, clear job descriptions, and training requirements to set staff up for success. Accountability and professional development improve city services and create a healthier work environment.
Fair & Standard Ordinance Violation Management
Right now, our city has no central system for tracking ordinance complaints and violations. Calls, emails, and conversations get scattered — and there’s no reliable record of how complaints are processed. With our city growing (two subdivisions are underway), this system is only going to get more cumbersome and unreliable. We can’t keep doing things the same way just because “we’ve always done it that way.” As your candidate for Mayor, I believe we must work smarter, not harder. That’s why I propose implementing a modern, affordable tool that would: • Create one central place for complaints to be filed and tracked. • Ensure every complaint is processed fairly and consistently. • Keep the City and Sheriff’s Office in sync on enforcement. • Generate reports so the public can see how complaints are being resolved. • Expand to help with permits, licenses, and building department correspondence for even more transparency. Technology is one of my special interests, and I’m always looking for ways to improve organization and efficiency. This is about building trust, improving service, and preparing New Plymouth for growth.
Reviving Community Traditions: Bringing Back Horse Shoe Days
In conversations with retired City Clerk Ellen Smith, I learned about an annual community event called Horse Shoe Days that was celebrated in New Plymouth decades ago. It was a time when neighbors came together, enjoyed friendly competition, and celebrated our small-town spirit. With cooperation from community elders and Councilwoman Suzanne Evans, I plan to bring back Horse Shoe Days as a way to honor our history, strengthen community bonds, and create a family-friendly tradition for future generations.
Send Me a Message
Have questions or suggestions? I would love to hear from you!