"Our city deserves a government that is
accountable, transparent, and
dedicated to the well-being of every resident."
BRINGING EXPERIENCE AND HEART TO OUR COUNCIL
I have lived in Gulfport for 30 years and it is my forever home. It is my life and my passion, and I continue to form a deep relationship with the community. I have seen the changes. I’m well aware of the previous negative reputation and how we used to be called a secret. Now, we are a destination. And now more than ever, we need an independent look and fresh perspectives to determine solutions to unprecedented challenges, especially considering storm recovery and fiscal prudence.
It’s important to note that the majority of council members have no specific training or experience to prepare them for serving on a council. I bring specific experience and skills:
- I consider myself a lucky person to have had the experience of managing the casino, theater and city events and to have started GeckoFest during that time. I was also a part of the team involved with the exciting renovation of the Historic Casino and construction of the theater that we can be so proud of.
- My career in community management (e.g., all aspects of financial, administrative and physical plant management), operated my own management firm for 14 years, and served in managerial positions such as a Director of Management Services and Executive Officer for other companies. My daily work was fundamentally similar to city government.
- My list of volunteerisms over the years has contributed to extraordinary experiences.
- I am engaged in the community: I regularly attend council meetings, town hall meetings, Fusion 49th District meetings, and various other meetings and discussions in our community.
- I talk to folks in our community out of a desire to gain and maintain a pulse of our community.
- I read the polls and survey results done by groups within our community.
These all have contributed to my knowledge and understanding of our community and how the city works. But, please don’t stop reading.
I am genuinely Grateful to the Mayor and Past Councilors for what has been done – I respect their efforts – many things have been done right, but not always.
We know there are shared issues. To name some,
- fiscal responsibility and use of your money effectively to keep as much in your pockets as possible,
- the building and permitting department,
- transparency and accountability,
- communication shortfalls,
- the importance of resiliency and sustainability, and affordable housing.
There are many issues significant to us as a community that we must continue to work on to make life in our community better.
Now, a fresh perspective and new approach is needed in order to move forward.
- I want to hear from you. And I will listen. I will be your voice.
- I am a collaborator and can work across the table.
- I am results driven. What I say I will do, I do.
- What I don’t know, I dig into to learn.
- We often hear why we should not or cannot do something. I am a problem solver and seek solutions.
- I recognize that change is inevitable, but I want to help manage these changes so we may maintain the spirit of our community.
- I want to hold townhalls and meet with individuals.
- I have listened and helped folks impacted by the storm - and want to continue to help. Suffering predates the hurricanes, but it is now exacerbated. I will not forget what I have seen and heard.
- I believe we must work together for the betterment of our community.
Observing the above, many individuals in the community have consistently encouraged me to run for council. As a result, I have stepped up with a passionate willingness to serve and would like to hear from you. Please let me know what is important to you and how I may earn your confidence and support.
*Please return to the website for information that will continue to be added.
