THANK YOU! KENT COMMUNITY, FOR YOUR SUPPORT IN THE PRIMARY ELECTION
**NEXT STEP IS THE GENERAL ELECTION**
Vote between October 7th and Election Day November 4th, 2025
My vision for our community and how would I implement it:
Kent is where I live, work and recreate. Every day, I walk to work at Kent State University, my kids attend Kent City Schools, and my family is deeply rooted in this community. I believe in a Kent community that continues to be a vibrant, welcoming, and forward-thinking city—a place where residents can thrive, businesses can grow, and the unique character of our town is preserved.
To implement this vision, I will advocate for excellent government services—roads, infrastructure, water, etc—and, thoughtful development that supports affordable housing, attracts good jobs, and enhances the cultural vibrancy of our city. My many years of experience volunteering on Kent City Board of Zoning Appeals, Fair Housing Board, and Salary Review Committee has given me firsthand insight into the challenges we face and the importance of making strategic decisions that benefit all residents. I will work to ensure that Kent remains a place where families, students, employees and businesses all feel valued and supported.
The two most important issues facing the City of Kent and how I you propose addressing it:
#1: One of the most pressing issues facing Kent is the need to maintain and improve our aging infrastructure. The City of Kent is fundamentally a service organization to the people and ensuring that our roads, water, sewers, signage, sidewalks, bike paths, tree canopy, etc are maintained and regularly improved is the most important issue to be addressed. As a city council member, I will continually raise this key issue, and when considering budget, I will advocate for a budget the balances our need for maintaining our infrastructure with the other many potential expenses of the city.
#2: Balanced growth that maintains affordability while fostering economic and community development is another pressing issue. Over the past 15 years, Kent has experienced significant improvements, from downtown redevelopment to new housing options. However, as we continue to grow, we must ensure that development aligns with the needs of all residents, particularly in terms of housing affordability and access to good jobs. As a city council member, I will address this by supporting policies that encourage smart, right-sized development—projects that enhance Kent’s infrastructure and economic base without displacing residents or altering the character of our neighborhoods. My experience in Kent zoning and housing policy has given me the knowledge to navigate these challenges effectively, ensuring that future growth is both sustainable and beneficial to the entire community.
The challenges facing the City of Kent and my recommendations for solving them.
Kent faces several challenges, including housing affordability, economic growth, and cost efficiencies paired with sustainability efforts.
Basic Infrastructure & City Services – Our most direct interactions with the City of Kent are through our roads/sidewalks, water supply, fire and police services, etc. We all expect these services to be of the highest quality, and I will work to maintain and improve these services with input from the community. Our roads and sidewalks need constant maintenance and after this winter they need even more attention.
Affordable Housing & Development – As demand for housing increases, we must ensure that Kent remains an affordable and accessible place to live. I will advocate for development policies that encourage a mix of housing options, protect renters, and support responsible growth that aligns with the needs of the community. One housing solution that I’ve seen work well in other places I’ve lived that I will be encouraging consideration for are Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU). The ADUs allow cities and their citizens to balance affordability and revitalization for housing where available land is limited. In the NE OH context, I attended a presentation by the City of Cleveland Heights that completed a housing study on the costs and benefits of ADUs that Kent should consider.
Economic Development & Job Growth – Encouraging local business growth and ensuring strong job opportunities for residents is crucial. My background in public policy and my work with Senator Sherrod Brown’s office have given me experience in advocating for investment in communities like Kent. I will work to secure funding and support initiatives that promote a strong local economy that supports local business owners and entrepreneurs that will ultimately enhance job opportunities for anyone that wants to work and live in Kent.
Sustainability & Cost Efficiencies – We can achieve both cost savings to our city budget AND address the pressing need to address sustainability at the same time. Sustainability efforts that the City has already begun to assess for future cost efficiencies should be continued and bolstered. The Climate Action Plan developed by Kent citizens is the groundwork for continued efforts, but more definitive plans need developed with citizen and Sustainability Commission input to further see sustainability and efficiencies accomplished. I would also support continued efforts and initiatives as outlined in the City of Kent W
Walking & Biking – As a daily walk commuter and regular trail user, I experience firsthand the importance of safe, accessible, and connected streets and paths in Kent. Walkability isn't just a policy issue for me — it's part of my daily life. That’s why I worked with Main Street Kent last year to successfully advocate for the year-round installation of pedestrian safety bollards downtown. I’ve also taken action to support biking infrastructure, recently flagging a state grant opportunity for biking improvements to city staff — only to learn, to my satisfaction, that our city and county had already applied. That kind of proactive, forward-thinking approach to mobility is what I’ll continue to champion on City Council. Kent deserves streets that prioritize safety for all modes of transportation.
Government Transparency & Good Communications with Community – City government transparency and clear, consistent communication with our community are essential to building trust and ensuring that residents feel informed, valued, and heard. As a city council member, I believe our local government must operate openly—sharing decisions, budgets, and plans in ways that are accessible and easy to understand—while also actively listening to the voices of our neighbors. Transparent governance and good local news sources like The Portager empowers residents to engage meaningfully in shaping the future of Kent, and effective two-way communication strengthens the partnership between the City and the people it serves. In Kent, where our unique community spirit is one of our greatest strengths, open dialogue and accountability aren’t just good practices—they are the foundation of good government.
By addressing these challenges with thoughtful, proactive solutions, I will work to ensure that Kent remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
