First Responders
Having served alongside first responders in the Indiana Army National Guard, I developed tremendous respect for the technical expertise, leadership, and professionalism they bring to their jobs every day. Public safety is one of the most fundamental responsibilities of government, and I believe our police officers, firefighters, and emergency personnel should have the training, equipment, and support necessary to perform at the highest level.
My Priorities
Economic Development
I have spent much of my career in manufacturing and economic development, including helping launch a Swiss manufacturing company in the United States and working for the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. Economic development is not an abstract concept to me. Strong employers create opportunities for families, strengthen the tax base, and help provide the resources needed to support essential city services.
Infrastructure
Infrastructure is not glamorous, but it is one of the most important responsibilities of local government. Roads, utilities, traffic signals, trails, stormwater systems, and public facilities form the foundation upon which everything else depends. My experience at City Hall gave me a firsthand understanding of how these systems are funded, maintained, and improved. Strong infrastructure strengthens public safety, supports economic growth, and improves quality of life.
Columbus is a great city, but I believe we have gradually drifted away from some of the core priorities of local government. Over time, additional programs and responsibilities have been added while fundamental responsibilities such as infrastructure have received less attention than they deserve.
Local government must always make difficult choices. In my view, public safety and infrastructure should come before optional programs and amenities. Before expanding into new areas, we should ensure that we are fully funding and maintaining the essential services residents rely upon every day.
This is not about opposing parks or other quality-of-place investments. It is about maintaining clear priorities and recognizing that every dollar spent in one area is unavailable for another. A city that loses sight of its core responsibilities eventually faces larger and more expensive problems down the road.
I believe our discretionary spending should focus on downtown Columbus. Downtown is the proverbial canary in the coal mine. The health and vitality of our downtown is often the leading indicator outsiders see when judging the health of our community.
Before a company decides whether to invest millions of dollars and create jobs in Columbus, its leaders will form impressions of our city. Before a family decides whether to make Columbus their home, they will do the same. Downtown is where those impressions begin. A vibrant downtown signals confidence, vitality, and a community worth investing in.