Identify your top three (3) issues that you wish to address during your tenure in office and rank them in order of priority.
As a member of the City Council, I would encourage initiatives that build on the city's recent successes and continue to create a community that develops good paying, high technology jobs and a wonderful quality of life. I also want to encourage the development of housing that allows the people who work in Fishers, like teachers, police officers and firefighters, and seniors to be able to live in Fishers. In addition, I want to implement a city education roundtable to encourage greater collaboration between the city, HSE Schools and workforce development that helps us create greater opportunities for young people while helping employers meet their workforce needs.
What do you believe is the role of the City Council in our community?
As a City Councilman, I see my role as a voice in city government for the people of my district. Serving successfully in this role means that I would need to make myself available to my constituents to listen to their hopes, questions and concerns, and try to incorporate their views into the city's agenda and operations. It requires me to build partnerships with my fellow City Council members and with the city administration in order to ensure that the voices of my constituents are heard and addressed.
What experiences and qualities do you think makes you the best candidate for this position?
I have spent most of my professional career working in public service or in sales where I have had to interact with people that come from many different perspectives and find common ground in order to get things done. In Fishers, specifically, I have served for the past seven years on both the city planning commission and the fire merit commission, where I have had the opportunity to help build a vibrant, thriving community and ensure that city personnel are adequately serving the public. Most importantly, I enjoy people and the opportunity to learn from others.
How will you work with OneZone Chamber to ensure a thriving business community?
I believe the OneZone Chamber of Commerce is an integral part of our community in representing the business community and advocating for our city. I would expect to develop a strong partnership with OneZone by attending public meetings, networking with its members and advocating for our shared interests.