We have all felt the burdens of recent tax decisions in our city. I believe taxation should be limited to what is truly necessary to meet essential public needs—and always approached with transparency and accountability. As the saying goes, “the power to tax is the power to control,” and it’s one of the most significant powers government holds. That power must be exercised with great care. Tax increases should only occur when both citizens and government clearly agree on the necessity, and when the burden is shared fairly.

My goal is to gain perspective about the numbers in our city budget and gain a full understanding of what each number on each line item entails. I also want to work with our city executive leaders to ensure that any budget increases that would result in additional taxes are absolutely necessary. We've all lived through difficult times and when citizens have to tighten their belts, we need to look at ways we can do the same and not cast an undue burden on our citizens.

When I think of taxes, I often think of the story of the widow’s mite from the Bible—it reminds me that for some, the payment of taxes come from abundance, but for others, they are a heavy sacrifice. As leaders, we must be mindful of what we ask of our citizens, ensuring our decisions reflect not only sound budgeting, but compassion and respect for every individual.

I believe in the power of community—when we live as part of a caring, connected society, many of the social challenges we face begin to fade. Harrisville has long been a shining example of what it means to be a strong, supportive community. But as we grow, that close-knit feeling can slip away if we’re not intentional about preserving it.

That’s why we need to create more opportunities for fun, service, and shared experiences that strengthen our connection to one another. When we look after our neighbors and invest in each other, we build something greater than any government program can offer. That spirit is what made me fall in love with Harrisville, and it’s what I hope to protect and strengthen with the help of our citizens and city staff.

Our police officers provide an essential service, and I fully support giving them the resources they need to do their jobs safely and effectively. The proposed public safety building is a reflection of that support. However, the process by which this project moved forward has left many citizens feeling unheard—especially given the $12.5 million price tag and the decision to take on significant debt. If I had been on the council, I would not have supported moving ahead without broader community consensus. That said, the decision has been made, and my focus now is on ensuring that, moving forward, we foster greater transparency, listen more closely to public input, and find ways to be fiscally responsible while meeting the city’s needs. We can support public safety and still hold ourselves accountable to the people we serve.

High-density housing is becoming more common in our city, partly due to state requirements that tie road funding to the development of affordable housing. While we must meet these state guidelines to ensure critical infrastructure funding, we also need to be smart about how we grow.

I hope to work closely with our planning commission to find solutions that meet state qualifications without compromising the character and quality of life in Harrisville. Wherever possible, I will advocate for owner-occupied housing over rental developments. Homeowners tend to take greater pride in their property and contribute to a more stable, connected community—while also helping to reduce long-term service costs to the city. With thoughtful planning, we can balance state mandates with the needs and values of our residents.

One of the most important things we can improve in Harrisville is communication between city government and its citizens. Right now, that connection is limited, and many residents feel left out of important conversations. If elected, I will work to create more open and accessible channels for communication—making it easier for citizens to ask questions, share ideas, and receive real answers. Whether it’s through social media, email, public town halls, or other tools, I want to ensure residents are informed and involved. When we all work together and stay connected, we make better decisions that truly reflect the needs and values of our community.