All voices matter. If you care enough to come to this site and read this, you are likely a stakeholder. The City Council receives comments from people throughout the community whether in or outside city limits.

As a councilor, I appreciate perspectives offered by all stakeholders of the city. The variety of stakeholders vested in the success of our community is wonderful. Thoughtful, factual, analytical comments and official testimony have contributed to the positions I have taken and the votes I have offered. With so many stakeholders, it is no surprise that it isn't always possible to please everyone. 

So how do you decide who to listen to?

First and foremost is to listen to everyone. I also ask questions and seek to understand. I balance what I learn with my responsibility to represent and protect the interests of residents of the city. That does not mean that I'm anti-business, anti-development, or anti-anything. What it does mean is that whatever stance the council takes should be for the long-term benefit of the residents of the city. Millennia ago, people did not come together and form cities so that business and industry could thrive, rather business and industry  thrived because people came together.

How do you feel about Political Action Committees operating in Sandy?

A Political Action Committee (PAC) is how money can be raised and used to support a candidate or issue. Oregon requires financial transparency for a PAC requiring full disclosure of donations and expenses, viewable online at Oregon Secretary of State's Orestar. PACs always have an agenda, although sometimes it's a hidden agenda. Understanding who created and funded a PAC may provide insight into its real agenda. I don't like the idea of buying an election or votes. I have not taken a donation from anyone. 

What about services provided to people who live outside the city?

I strongly believe that services provided to people outside city limits should not be paid for by city residents.  During my first set of budget meetings, I was shocked to discover that some departments used money from the general fund to pay for services provided to people living outside of city limits, money collected from property taxes by those who live or own property in the city. Since that first session, I am pleased report that several changes have been implemented to create better budget transparency for services to non-residents, and efforts to more fairly set resident vs. non-resident rates. I am constantly looking for situations where city residents are stuck paying for something that should be paid for by the county or library district. I was successful in getting SandyNet to move towards becoming revenue neutral, particularly important as it expands beyond city limits.

How can I make my voice heard?

Come to a council meeting and offer public testimony. Send an email to the council. Or reach out to me directly. Be heard!