Priorities

New Hope's "Scattered-Site Housing Program:"

I am not directly opposed to the city's current housing-beautification measures (specifically by way of the: "Scattered-Site Housing Program"), however I do believe that our scarce taxpayer dollars should first address our many deteriorating commercial and retail properties, which affect the broader community at large, and our city's current tax base. 

In fact, the city even acknowledges that the Scattered-Site Housing Program can lose money on individual scattered-site projects, because acquisition and demolition costs can often exceed what the finished vacant lot is actually worth.

I believe the City of New Hope should reconsider its priorities when it comes to the use of these taxpayer dollars. Rather than directing public funds toward the Scattered-Site Housing Program, city officials should focus on revitalizing the aging and deteriorating retail and commercial spaces throughout our community. Improving these neglected spaces would benefit all New Hope residents by strengthening our neighborhoods, supporting local businesses, increasing our property values, improving the appearance of our community, and helping maintain a healthy commercial tax base.

This is not an argument against affordable housing or against helping residents who need assistance. It is an argument about the appropriate role and priorities of our city government, particularly when taxpayer resources are limited. Public dollars should be invested in projects that provide broad, measurable benefits for the entire community, not just a select few. 

Moreover, expanding our commercial tax base relieves the heavy tax burden placed on single-family homeowners. 

New Hope has commercial corridors and retail properties that need attention. Vacant, outdated, or poorly maintained commercial spaces can discourage outside investment and diminish the overall vitality of the city. Addressing these issues should be the top priority. 

Instead of using taxpayer money to acquire scattered residential properties, the city should explore ways to encourage redevelopment, rehabilitation, and private investment in our existing commercial areas. The goal should be to create a stronger business environment, attract new businesses, improve existing retail properties, and expand the city's tax base —without placing additional burdens on taxpayers. 

Our city government should focus on investments that benefit the greatest number of residents. Revitalizing New Hope's retail and commercial spaces is an investment in the entire community. 

As your next City Council member, I will urge other city leaders to reconsider the current Scattered-Site Housing Program, and redirect their attention toward revitalizing the commercial properties and business districts that benefit all of us. 

We can strengthen our neighborhoods without losing sight of our responsibility to New Hope taxpayers.

Flock camera program: 

My current volunteer work as a New Hope City Commissioner has strengthened my commitment to community service and prepared me to work collaboratively, and transparently, with all New Hope residents. 

I value government accountability, and fiscal responsibility with every dollar spent of taxpayer money. 

I staunchly oppose both Flock's mass surveillance of residents, and ICE's use of surveillance technologies that undermine privacy, civil liberties, and due process. Our police department added more Flock cameras in 2025, and I will always vote against expanding this system. 

New Hope residents deserve safety without being subjected to pervasive tracking, monitoring, or enforcement systems that threaten the civil rights of everyone.

Safety for all residents is of upmost importance to me, and it will be the guiding force of my work on the city council. However, this does NOT mean having Flock camera surveillance.