SMALL BUSINESS OWNER - COMMUNITY ADVOCATE
About Us
Thoughtful Growth to Keep Washington, Washington
My goal as a trustee will be to make sure new developments don't become the problems of tomorrow. We need to regulate our development, look at our zoning, and make sure that the rules we put in place match what the citizens want for their township. I intend to find solutions that preserve the rural character of our township while allowing for well-managed residential and business growth that complements our unique lifestyle and respects our history.
Washington Parks & Recreation, STAR Transportation, and Senior Services
The Washington Romeo Bruce Parks and Rec. is a necessary part of the community and the services that a growing township requires. While it provides services for all residents, it is integral to helping Washington's seniors stay engaged and active in our community. Along with the Parks & Rec., STAR Transport provides seniors with a much-needed way to access these and other necessary services in and around our community. We should embrace the Parks & Rec. Department and STAR, not tear either down or attack those who selflessly work to provide these vital services to our communities. We need to make sure we continue to support all aspects of these two essential programs.
Public Safety
We have a great history of public safety in Washington. Our fire department is constantly working to improve services to our residents and stay on top of the latest industry trends and technology. Our agreement with the Macomb County Sheriff's Department is an excellent way to meet the needs of our community without having to incur the additional expense that a Township police force would necessitate (buildings, vehicles, pensions, etc.). It’s a smart, cost-effective solution that provides excellent service to our residents. I will fully support the continuation of funding the Macomb County Sheriff's Department’s role in Washington Township and our outstanding fire department.
Roads
In the past few years, Washington has seen a large amount of road improvement projects across the township. While I support improving our infrastructure, I also support the public's role in choosing where the projects should occur. As anyone who travels Van Dyke through the village district already knows, we are facing some challenges in infrastructure that need a solid, long-term plan to solve. As we examine new developments in our township, we need to pay attention to how we are going to meet the needs of a developing village district and the Township at large, while ensuring we don’t destroy every scenic small-town road or overburden our developed roads with even more traffic. This boils down to listening to the residents in both subdivisions and rural communities within our township and wisely choosing the projects that are both wanted and needed.
Restore Respect
For 14 years, I have attended many board and committee meetings and have been shocked and disappointed at the behavior of some of our elected officials, both in their interactions with the other board members, employees of the township, and even the residents they were elected to serve. This type of behavior ultimately is a sign of disrespect to our entire community. Boards are meant to work together, "respectfully" disagree at times, and always listen to the residents. I may not always agree with every board member or trustee, but I will always be respectful of their position as an elected representative of the residents. The Trustees can't fight for the residents of Washington when they are constantly fighting with each other