Let’s Hunt for a better Somerset.

City government has a responsibility to provide excellent services while remembering where much of our funding comes from: you, the taxpayer.

As police chief, I managed a budget of more than $8 million and never went over budget. I will bring that same discipline to the mayor’s office.

Costs have increased significantly for families, businesses and government. Responsible leadership means looking at the complete picture, separating needs from wants, making smart choices and investing taxpayer dollars where they will make the greatest difference.

It also means being honest about what government can and cannot do. I won't make promises simply because they sound good during an election. My word matters to me, and as mayor, you can expect me to tell you the truth and follow through on my commitments.

Good government is about making everyday life a little better for the people you serve.

As mayor, I will:

• Return residential trash-can deposits and discontinue the deposit program. If the city doesn't need to hold your money, I believe you should have it back. We will also provide additional cans for FREE.

• Expand city cleanup from twice to four times each year — spring, summer, fall and winter — saving residents money while helping keep Somerset clean.

• Increase programming in our parks so residents get even more value from the world-class amenities we've built.

• Bring the GE ballpark back to life and make it an active part of our community again.

• Create an annual event specifically for children and families, with no alcohol sales, giving Somerset's kids an event that is completely theirs.

• Make the mayor's office more accessible and responsive, so residents know they can bring a concern to City Hall, be heard and be treated with respect.

We cannot sit back and wait for opportunity to find us. We have to go get it.

As mayor, I will actively recruit industrial, commercial and retail investment and work alongside the Somerset City Council, the county judge, SPEDA and other community partners to bring new businesses and good-paying jobs to Somerset.

Recruitment to our new commerce park will be a priority. We must also prepare now for the future redevelopment of the Somerset Mall property so the city is ready to work with developers and pursue the right opportunities when they arise.

At the same time, we must continue supporting the businesses already investing here. That includes partnering with our Chamber of Commerce, supporting entrepreneurs and recognizing the importance of our growing tourism industry, which brings millions of visitors to our area and generates more than $150 million in economic impact.

Responsible economic development means being prepared, building relationships and actively pursuing opportunities.

Somerset is growing, and housing is one of the clearest signs of that progress.

Approximately 152 new housing units were built in the city in 2024 and another 140 in 2025 — roughly four times the average annual pace from 2014 through 2018.

We need to keep that momentum going while making sure growth works for our community.

As mayor, I will work with responsible developers, encourage housing at different price points and look for ways city government can say yes to good development. We are currently working with two developers to bring more than 100 new homes to Somerset.

We must also continue exploring opportunities to support affordable housing.

Growth is good, but it should be thoughtful and responsible. We are building the Somerset our children and grandchildren will inherit.

After 28 years in law enforcement, public safety will always be a priority for me because a safe city is the foundation of a prosperous city.

We will continue supporting our police, fire, EMS, and other city employees with the equipment and resources they need to do their jobs well. We will work to provide living wages and ensure the people who serve our community know their work is valued.

Taking care of Somerset means taking care of the people we expect to take care of us.

Homelessness is a difficult issue, but it is one we cannot ignore. Our approach must include both compassion and accountability.

We will continue to support and work alongside organizations already helping people in our community, including Help the Homeless, Habitat for Humanity, Welcome House and God’s Food Pantry.

I also support programs like Life Learning Center and Oak Pointe Center that help people return to the workforce. Assistance matters. Treatment matters. But long-term success also requires opportunity.

A job is more than a paycheck. It provides responsibility, pride and hope. Helping people become employed and self-sufficient must be part of our strategy.

Accountability matters, too. I support treatment for people struggling with addiction, and Somerset has responsible organizations doing this work. But we must address operators that bring people into our community for treatment and then leave them here without appropriate support when that treatment ends.

As mayor, I will establish a city compliance officer program to ensure facilities are following applicable laws and requirements, help prevent irresponsible discharges onto Somerset's streets and hold bad actors accountable.

Compassion means helping people. Accountability means refusing to let anyone profit from exploiting them.