After more than 20 years in Minnesota and eight years in Inver Grove Heights, I've seen firsthand what makes this community special. My family chose to live here because we believed in its future. Unfortunately, recent decisions by our local leaders have moved us further from realizing that potential. It's time for leadership that puts residents first, embraces accountability, and focuses on the priorities that matter most to our community. That's why I'm running for City Council.
While Inver Grove Heights has seen an increase in large chain businesses choosing to locate here, we have struggled to attract the small businesses that help define and strengthen a community. Small businesses are often more connected to the needs of residents and make a greater impact on the local economy by reinvesting in the community. Unfortunately, our current communication with prospective businesses includes outdated information and references to resources that are no longer available. We need to do a better job of showing entrepreneurs that Inver Grove Heights values their ideas and investments, not just large corporations.
One of the central tenets of my campaign is a commitment to transparency in local government. Elected leaders are public servants, and it is essential that the City Council operates with clarity, openness, and accountability in every decision it makes. The council should communicate its plans for the city in a straightforward and accessible way, remain receptive to feedback from residents, and be willing to adjust course when the community expresses concerns or raises valid objections. Good governance requires listening as much as it requires leading.
Recent events and divisive debates have left many residents feeling uncertain about whether they belong and are valued in our community. As a city, we have a responsibility to foster a culture where every resident feels welcome, respected, and safe. I support initiatives that bring neighbors together and reinforce a simple message: Inver Grove Heights is a community for everyone, regardless of where you come from, who you love, or your faith. Our diversity is a strength, and every resident deserves to know they belong here.
With growing uncertainty around state and federal funding, it is more important than ever that we focus our budget on practical, common-sense investments that directly benefit residents, rather than costly capital projects that place additional strain on taxpayers. The city should focus on essential priorities rather than pursuing large capital projects that may not be immediately necessary. By pausing or phasing these projects until appropriate state or federal funding becomes available, we can help reduce the burden on local taxpayers and ensure that residents are not paying for avoidable or premature expenditures.
I believe that everyone should have the right to affordable housing. This is an issue that requires strong local leadership, and I believe our city should take a more active role in leading the conversation and advancing solutions that reflect the needs of our community. While counties and the state can provide important funding and support, it is municipalities that ultimately shape growth through planning, zoning, and development decisions. We need to work collaboratively with residents, developers, and regional partners to encourage housing options that are affordable, sustainable, and consistent with the character of our city. That includes supporting responsible development, improving communication with the community, and ensuring that teachers, first responders, young families, and seniors can all afford to live in the community they serve and care about.
Have questions or suggestions? I would love to hear from you!
Campaign Headquarters
916 Silver Spur Rd, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274