My priorities are shaped by a simple belief: county government should be practical, transparent, and accountable to the people who live and work here. That means focusing less on headlines and more on the systems that quietly shape daily life — affordability, public services, infrastructure, and trust in government.
These are the issues I’m focused on as a candidate for Erie County Legislature, District 11.
Affordability & Cost of Living
For too many families in the Southtowns, the cost of living is rising faster than wages, even for people working full-time in union and public-sector jobs. Property taxes, utility costs, healthcare premiums, and basic necessities are squeezing household budgets, while county decisions often feel disconnected from those realities.
At the county level, affordability means:
- Being honest about how budgets, contracts, and capital projects affect taxpayers
- Prioritizing infrastructure investments that reduce long-term costs rather than deferring maintenance
- Pushing for transparency and accountability in utility pricing, fees, and public-private agreements
- Ensuring county policies don’t quietly shift costs onto working families while shielding large interests
Affordability isn’t about quick fixes — it’s about responsible stewardship and refusing to treat rising costs as inevitable.
Accountability & Transparency in Government
Trust in local government erodes when decisions are made behind closed doors or explained after the fact. County residents deserve to know how their money is spent, why decisions are made, and who benefits from them.
As a legislator, I will:
- Support clear, accessible reporting on county spending and contracts
- Ask hard questions about major expenditures, subsidies, and development deals
- Advocate for decision-making processes that are open, documented, and understandable to the public
- Treat accountability as a baseline responsibility, not a partisan talking point
Good government isn’t flashy — it’s consistent, transparent, and willing to own outcomes.
Infrastructure & Public Investment
Roads, bridges, water systems, public buildings, and emergency services are not abstract line items — they are the backbone of daily life and local employment. When infrastructure is neglected, costs rise later and communities pay the price.
County government plays a key role in:
- Maintaining and upgrading critical infrastructure
- Supporting local jobs tied to public works and maintenance
- Planning capital projects with long-term sustainability in mind
- Coordinating effectively with towns and villages to avoid duplication and waste
Smart public investment protects safety, supports workers, and strengthens communities for the long haul.
Working Families & Public Services
County decisions shape the stability of public services that people rely on — from healthcare and emergency response to education support and social services. When these systems are underfunded or poorly managed, workers and residents alike feel the consequences.
I will prioritize:
- Protecting the integrity and reliability of public services
- Recognizing the role of public and healthcare workers in keeping communities functioning
- Evaluating policies based on how they affect real people, not just balance sheets
- Ensuring administrative systems are accessible, humane, and efficient
Public services work best when they are treated as investments, not liabilities.
Responsible, Local Leadership
District 11 deserves representation that shows up, listens, and takes the work seriously. I believe effective leadership starts with understanding how policies affect people where they live and work — not just how they sound in a press release.
As your legislator, I commit to:
- Being accessible and responsive to constituents
- Listening before legislating
- Focusing on practical solutions over political theater
- Representing the district with consistency, respect, and integrity
Local government matters most when it’s closest to the people — and when it earns their trust.
I’m running to represent District 11 with care, seriousness, and accountability. These issues are not ideological — they are practical, lived concerns for families across the Southtowns. I look forward to continuing the conversation and earning your trust.
Have a question about where I stand? Contact me and let me know what matters to you.