PLATFORM
Leading the Way: Our Vision for Morgan County
James Madison once said that the government's main job is to protect people's rights and their property. I strongly believe that the local government's main job is to keep us safe and make sure we can live freely on our own property. Apart from this, the local government should only step in when local businesses can't do the job well. Overall, the goal of local government should be to help the people—a government that's truly for the people, by the people, and of the people.
In my three years as a Commissioner for Morgan County, I've seen how important it is to protect people's property. We've worked hard to keep everyone's rights safe while also keeping our county beautiful and rural. Property rights aren't just for a few people—they're important for everyone who lives here.
I believe that Morgan County has a bright future ahead. Everyone should focus on one simple question: "How can we help the people the best?" In the past three years, I've seen how talking openly with people who disagree can help us find solutions that work for everyone. This way of working together is what good government is all about.
Helping Our Community Grow Responsibly
My focus will be on making rules that help our community grow in a good way. The County Commission decides where and how new buildings can be built in the rural parts of Morgan County. This includes things like deciding on the master plan, changing zoning rules, and making rules for new neighborhoods. Many people in Morgan County worry about too much change happening. We all love living here with our families because it's such a special place. But because we love it, more people want to move here, and that means things are going to change. But if we manage these changes carefully, we can keep our community special. It's important to treat everyone fairly. Some people are talking about rules that might slow down how much our community grows. But if we only focus on stopping change instead of making sure it happens in a good way, our community might not grow in the right direction.
I understand both sides of this issue and know what the government can do to make sure new things are built in the right places. I've been working with land development for a long time, and I've learned how to make sure changes are good for everyone. If I'm re-elected to the County Commission, I'll use what I know to make rules that help our community grow in a good way. I'll also make sure public money is spent wisely.
Managing County Budget and Taxes Responsibly
The County Commission decides how to use public money by approving the county budget. The budget for Morgan County should be careful and focused only on providing the services that people in Morgan County need. These services include keeping us safe, making sure we can travel safely, protecting our property rights and important records, supporting businesses, and giving good customer service at county offices. We should all get the best services possible for the taxes we pay. For the past three years, the County Commission has made the tax rate lower. I will keep working to make sure the rate stays low while still giving good service to everyone who lives here.
Working Towards a Better Quality of Life
​The Commission has a big job in making sure our county grows in a way that helps all of us. We need more jobs, more businesses, and better incomes for families in Morgan County. I believe we can have a strong economy without giving up our farming way of life. By having different kinds of businesses, we can make sure our economy stays healthy while still supporting our farms and small businesses. I've worked with lots of people and know how to build good relationships. I promise to work with everyone to make sure our county grows in the right way for all of us.
Preserving Your Property Rights
Your property is your space to enjoy and use as you wish, but it's also important to consider how your actions might affect others around you. You should be able to use your property in a way that makes you happy, but it shouldn't cause big problems for your neighbors or make things bad for everyone else. When I became a Commissioner three years ago, one of my main reasons was to protect property rights and make sure people can enjoy their property without trouble. If I'm your Commissioner, I'll work to make things easier for you and to make sure the county isn't involved in your property more than it needs to be. Your peace and enjoyment of your property are important to me.
Fostering Leadership and Good Communication
Leadership and service are the cornerstone of any group, starting with those in leadership roles. If these leaders fail to set a positive example, it can negatively impact the entire organization. Effective leadership hinges on clear communication. As an elected official representing the county, collaborating with fellow officials is vital for the community's benefit. When the people of Morgan County elect a County official, it's essential for all other elected officials to support that decision and work together. A proficient leader maximizes the potential of their team. In county government, this means leading alongside the individuals chosen by the voters, not just personal preferences.