"When new projects or initiatives that will impact Lewis County in a big way are proposed, I will ensure that we get input from the people who live here."

I believe that the best decisions are made when the community has a voice. Too often, decisions are made without consulting the people who will be most affected. That’s not how I operate.

For any major project or initiative that will impact Lewis County, I am committed to ensuring community input is a key part of the process. Whether it’s through listening sessions, surveys, or public forums, I want to hear your thoughts, concerns, and ideas.

This is your county, and the decisions we make should reflect the needs and values of the people who call it home. By working together, we can ensure that every project benefits the community and aligns with our shared vision for the future.

"As a military brat, I’ve seen firsthand how wasteful government spending can be. We need to make sure every dollar is spent wisely."

Taxes are essential for funding the services and infrastructure that keep our community running, but we owe it to the residents of Lewis County to ensure that every dollar is spent responsibly. Across the U.S., government spending often includes inefficiencies, waste, and poorly planned projects. For example, in 2024, tax expenditures—special provisions like deductions and exemptions—totaled $1.9 trillion, which is more than the government spends on many direct programs.

I’ve seen how wasteful spending can happen firsthand. Whether it’s unnecessary projects, overpaying for materials, or failing to prioritize what matters most, these inefficiencies hurt taxpayers and take away from the services we actually need.

When faced with decisions like raising taxes or continuing current spending, we need to ask: Are we managing our resources effectively? Do we really need to increase taxes, or can we find a more cost-effective solution? For example, do we need to buy this bolt from one manufacturer, or can we get it cheaper elsewhere?

My commitment:

• I will push for transparency in how tax dollars are spent, ensuring residents know where their money is going.

• I will advocate for responsible budgeting that prioritizes essential services like education, infrastructure, and public safety.

• I will advocate to eliminate wasteful spending and ensure that every project is cost-effective and serves the needs of our community.

Taxes are a tool to build a stronger community, but they must be used wisely. We need to respect the hard work of taxpayers and ensure their money is being spent to benefit everyone—not wasted on inefficiency.

"Everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to call home."

Affordable housing is a growing challenge in Lewis County, especially for young professionals, families, and seniors. If we want to retain our youth and attract new residents, we need to ensure that housing is accessible, affordable, and meets the needs of our community.

My plan includes:

• Supporting affordable housing initiatives to help families and young professionals stay in the area.

• Advocating for first-time homebuyer programs to make homeownership more accessible.

• Promoting smart development that balances growth with preserving farmland and green spaces.

“We need systematic change because the very systems meant to help us are failing.”

Mental health is a deeply personal issue for me. As someone who has experienced challenges navigating mental health services, I know firsthand that Lewis County does not have the resources it needs—especially for teenagers, young adults, and even adults in general. Wait times are long, services are overburdened, and many people have to travel far just to get the support they need.

I’ve worked with youth who face these same struggles, and I’ve seen how the failures of systems like Child Protective Services (CPS) have harmed children instead of helping them. As a child, I went through CPS cases myself, and I can confidently say that Lewis County failed me—and continues to fail many of the children I know and work with today. The systems designed to help people in need are instead causing harm, and it’s time for systematic change to ensure that everyone, especially our youth, has access to the care and support they deserve.

I’ll fight for:

• Expanding mental health services for youth and adults.

• Reducing wait times and increasing accessibility to local services.

• Ensuring CPS and other support systems work for the people they’re meant to protect.

We cannot allow these systems to continue harming our community.

Lewis County is a reactive services community—we often wait until problems arise before acting. In my experience with youth services, I’ve seen the lack of preventative programs firsthand. For example, Thrive no longer offers their Respite program, which was an important resource for youth and families. This leaves a gap in services that could have helped prevent issues before they escalated.

We need a balanced approach that includes both proactive and reactive services to support mental health, physical health, and overall well-being.

My plan includes:

• Advocating for the return of preventative programs like Respite.

• Expanding community-based services that offer ongoing support for families and youth.

• Fostering partnerships between local nonprofits and professional services to create a hybrid support model that meets diverse needs.

Preventative care is just as important as crisis response. We can’t only react—we need to act before problems happen.

"Progress doesn’t mean changing who we are."

I believe in change for the better—but progress doesn’t mean abandoning our history or values. Growth and improvement should complement our traditions and heritage, not erase them.

Lewis County has a rich history and a strong sense of identity. Whether it’s supporting our local farmers, protecting historic sites, or celebrating community events like the Snirt Run, it’s important to honor the things that make us unique.

As we move forward, I’ll work to ensure we preserve what makes Lewis County special while embracing opportunities to grow and improve for future generations. We can move forward without losing sight of who we are.

“I want military families and others to fall in love with our local businesses the way I did with Jeb’s.”

Small businesses are the backbone of our community, and supporting them is vital to strengthening our local economy. As a military brat, I moved countless times growing up, and I know how easy it is for military families to stick to what’s familiar—big brands like Walmart or chain restaurants. It’s consistent, convenient, and predictable.

But here in Lewis County, we have something special. Our local businesses have character, charm, and so much to offer. I want to entice military families and other visitors to explore and fall in love with our local businesses just like I did with Jeb’s.

I’m already taking steps to make this happen. Recently, YOLC hosted a listening session with Naturally Lewis to listen to youth, where we shared concerns and ideas about supporting local businesses. I’ll continue working closely with Naturally Lewis and other leaders to make Lewis County the center of economic development and to help our small businesses expand their reach beyond the local community.

My goals include:

• Partnering with Naturally Lewis to promote local businesses through military-focused campaigns and regional outreach.

• Creating opportunities for Fort Drum families and other visitors to experience all that Lewis County has to offer.

Lewis County has so much potential. Together, we can grow our local economy and make our community a destination for everyone.

""Supporting our farmers means supporting our future."

Agriculture is at the heart of Lewis County, and supporting our farmers is key to our community’s success. From farm-to-table initiatives to agritourism, there are so many ways we can strengthen our rural economy while preserving our agricultural roots.

My plan includes:

• Partnering with local farmers to expand farm-to-table programs.

• Supporting agritourism initiatives like farm tours and local food festivals.

• Advocating for programs that provide financial support to small farms and agricultural businesses.

"A strong community starts with strong infrastructure."

Infrastructure is the backbone of our community. Whether it’s maintaining roads and bridges, expanding broadband internet, or improving access to public transportation, these are the things that connect us and allow our community to thrive.

My plan includes:

• Advocating for funding to repair and maintain our roads and bridges.

• Expanding broadband access to rural areas to support schools, businesses, and residents.

• Exploring options for public transportation or carpool initiatives to help residents without reliable transportation.

"Everyone deserves to feel safe in their community."

Public safety is essential for a thriving community. From law enforcement to fire departments and emergency medical services, we need to ensure that our first responders have the resources they need to protect and serve.

My plan includes:

• Advocating for funding to provide first responders with the equipment and training they need.

• Supporting community policing initiatives to build trust between law enforcement and residents.

• Working with schools and public safety officials to improve emergency preparedness.

"A strong education system builds a stronger community."

Education and workforce development go hand-in-hand. By preparing young people for successful careers and supporting local businesses with skilled workers, we can create opportunities for everyone in Lewis County.

My plan includes:

• Expanding career readiness programs in schools, such as internships and vocational training.

• Bringing STEAM programs and trade education to local schools.

• Partnering with businesses and Fort Drum to create a pipeline of skilled workers for the local economy.

"Protecting our environment is protecting our future."

Lewis County’s natural beauty is one of its greatest assets. By promoting environmentally sustainable practices and expanding outdoor recreation opportunities, we can protect our resources while boosting tourism and quality of life.

My plan includes:

• Supporting clean energy initiatives like solar and wind projects that also support our locals.

• Maintaining and expanding parks, trails, and outdoor recreation areas.

• Promoting sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and local businesses.

"As a military brat, I know how important it is to support those who serve."

With Fort Drum nearby, veterans and military families are an important part of our community. We need to ensure they have the resources and support they need to thrive.

My plan includes:

• Advocating for job training and career support for veterans transitioning to civilian life.

• Ensuring mental health services are available and accessible for veterans and their families.

• Strengthening connections between military families and local businesses to build a sense of community.

"Hard truths are the reality—and if our leaders can’t handle them, they’re not doing their job."

As a community, we need to face the hard truths about the failures of our local systems. Whether it’s the lack of mental health resources, the struggles families face with CPS, or the gaps in preventative services, these problems are real—and ignoring them is not an option.

I believe in having honest conversations about these issues, no matter how difficult they may be. Opinions aren’t hard truths, but the reality of systematic failures in Lewis County is undeniable. If our leaders can’t handle these truths, then they aren’t doing their job.

Facing these hard truths isn’t about blame—it’s about finding solutions. I’ll work to bring these challenges into the light and fight for the changes we need to ensure our community works for everyone—not just a select few.