My Views

Financial Health & Budget Priorities

Woodland Park must manage its finances carefully and responsibly. I support transparent budgeting, responsible spending, and prioritizing investments that strengthen essential city services. Taxpayer dollars should be used wisely, with clear accountability and long-term planning that protects the city’s financial stability.

Infrastructure & Growth

Growth must be managed thoughtfully. Our roads, utilities, and public services must keep pace with development so residents do not bear the burden of poor planning. I support balanced growth that protects Woodland Park’s character while ensuring infrastructure improvements keep up with community needs.

Water, Utilities and Environmental Concerns

 I support responsible stewardship of our water supply, sustainable utility planning, and thoughtful environmental practices that protect our mountain community while supporting responsible development. 

In a mountain community like Woodland Park, water management is also directly tied to wildfire risk and mitigation. Ensuring adequate water supply, infrastructure, and planning to support fire protection efforts is essential to protecting homes, businesses, and our forests.

Public Safety

Public safety is a top priority. Our police, fire, and emergency services must have the resources, staffing, and support they need to keep residents safe. Strong public safety services are fundamental to maintaining the quality of life Woodland Park residents expect. Safety also includes improving traffic flow and pedestrian safety along Highway 24, which runs directly through our community. Thoughtful coordination with transportation partners and continued evaluation of traffic patterns can help reduce risks and improve safety for residents, visitors, and businesses along this critical corridor.

Staffing and Organizational Health

City staff play a critical role in delivering services to residents. I support fostering a professional, respectful, and stable work environment where staff can succeed. Strong leadership and clear communication between council and staff are essential to effective city government.

Policy & Governance Challenges

City decisions should be made thoughtfully, transparently, and with community input. I believe in careful review of policies, open discussion of issues, and governance that reflects the interests of the entire community—not just a small group.

Community Concerns

Residents deserve to be heard. I will continue meeting with residents through conversations, community events, and open dialogue so I can understand their concerns and represent them effectively on council.

Community Relations and Strategic Vision

Woodland Park’s future should be shaped by collaboration and shared goals. My vision is to move our city Forward Together—with transparency, respectful dialogue, and decisions that strengthen our community for years to come.

Intergovernmental Relationships

Strong working relationships with Teller County, regional partners, and state agencies are important to address shared challenges and opportunities. Collaboration helps Woodland Park access resources, coordinate services, and represent our community effectively.

Economic Development

Economic development should support local businesses, encourage responsible investment, and maintain Woodland Park’s unique character. Supporting entrepreneurs, tourism, and sustainable growth helps strengthen our local economy and create opportunities for residents.

Conflict of Interest

Public trust is essential in local government. Council members must act ethically, disclose potential conflicts, and make decisions based solely on what is best for the community. Transparency and integrity must guide every decision. If a potential conflict arises, I will act in accordance with the city’s regulations and the advice of the city attorney, ensuring that proper procedures are followed to protect the public’s trust and the integrity of the council’s work.

Road Maintenance & Pothole Repair

Maintaining our roads is a basic responsibility of city government, and the pothole issue across Woodland Park is something many residents have raised. I support prioritizing road maintenance in the city’s budget and ensuring a proactive approach to repairs rather than simply reacting to problems as they arise. Regular maintenance, better planning for seasonal damage, and clear communication with residents about reporting problem areas can help us address potholes more quickly and keep our roads safer for everyone.

Shining Mountain Golf Course

The city’s decision to purchase the Shining Mountain Golf Course has generated a great deal of community interest and discussion. I believe it is important to fully understand the long-term vision and financial implications of this decision. At first glance, it could represent either an extension of the city’s recreational and open space assets or an overreach beyond traditional city responsibilities. I am supportive of having a thoughtful and transparent community conversation so residents can learn more about the plans, potential benefits, and costs. Decisions of this scale should always include open dialogue, careful analysis, and a clear understanding of how they serve the long-term interests of Woodland Park.

Communication and Transparency in Major Decisions

Major decisions should never surprise the community. I believe residents should be informed before decisions are made and after votes occur so they understand the issue, the reasoning behind the decision, and the expected outcomes. This means clearly communicating upcoming agenda items, explaining the options being considered, and providing follow-up summaries once decisions are made.

Woodland Park has many tools available to keep residents informed—including the city website, public meetings, email updates, local media, and community forums. I would support using these tools more effectively and consistently so residents have multiple ways to stay engaged. The city’s “What’s Up Woodland Park” platform is a great example of a tool already helping keep residents informed about city news, projects, and upcoming decisions. Continuing to support and expand the use of platforms like this can help ensure timely and accurate information reaches the community.

One way to measure whether residents feel informed is through community feedback, attendance at meetings, direct conversations with residents, and periodic surveys to gauge whether people feel they understand the decisions being made at City Hall. My goal is simple: residents should feel they are part of the conversation, not hearing about decisions after the fact.