I am for measured, sensible growth in Jamestown that preserves our community’s charm and history, and pledge to be a good steward of citizens’ tax dollars while keeping town services and assets strong. Sound familiar? Frankly, you likely won’t see a huge range of platform issues among candidates for office in Jamestown. Most of us were drawn to (or remain) here because of its small-town appeal, friendly neighbors, and amenities like our walking paths and golf course. And that’s a GOOD thing, because you want candidates who represent you!

What sets me apart is my nearly eight years of relevant experience representing citizens as a council member, with the last two of those years being mayor pro tem. I have solid working relationships with town staff and fellow council members, as well as a lifetime worth of connections with neighbors and local organizations and businesses, since this is my hometown. Others will say what they plan to do once elected, but you can actually check my three-term track record by watching the past four years’ worth of council meetings on the town’s YouTube page, or reading all eight years’ worth of minutes on the town’s website. You won’t agree with every vote I’ve made—or will make, in the event of a tie among council members—but I always strive to put my decisions into context and explain why I do or don’t support an issue. Or, in some cases, why I may not agree with a vote, but believe it is in the best interest of the future of the town to make it. I have been the council member to make the motions for several especially contentious decisions over the years. My philosophy is, if I am going to vote for or against something, I need to be bold enough to make the motion, as well.

The role of mayor gives more opportunities to set the agenda for the town. As mayor, I will (and will work with council members and/or staff to):

• have regular office hours to make myself available for questions, discussions, and brainstorming sessions with citizens and local business owners
• strengthen connections between town staff and residents
• streamline town policies and systems and make them as user-friendly as possible
• continue working with staff on ways to engage the public and build a pipeline to town boards and committees for citizens
• bring more citizens into the town budgeting process by hosting evening and weekend listening sessions during budget season
• model and increase respectful communication with town residents, since unclear or infrequent communication about town issues can lead to confusion and distrust
• increase partnerships with local organizations and businesses that will result in more year-round events in our public parks
• create a system to connect volunteers with local nonprofit organizations, as many of those groups plan and run the events and programs that make Jamestown so special
• reopen and reimagine the golf course grill as an amenity that continues to cater to golfers, but also welcomes families coming to Jamestown Park to use our new playground or those out enjoying Greenway access
• encourage more offerings from the golf course specifically for in-town residents
• ensure that future town job postings are advertised locally to hopefully draw more Jamestown applicants for consideration
• publicize bids on town building projects beyond our usual channels
• restructure council meetings to involve more participation from board and committee chairs, and people who are appointed to represent the town elsewhere
• maintain good relationships with our counterparts in Greensboro and High Point, and look beyond our immediate borders to work with mayors of communities our size who are facing similar issues

These are all in addition to supporting our staff and volunteers as we work to maintain and enhance all that Jamestown has to offer to our citizens.

I have many more ideas and want to hear and incorporate yours, as well. Let’s work together to make Jamestown even more vibrant!