Council District 5

Former statehouse reporter for the Courier Journal, former senior advisory and policy and communications director for the state Auditor, policy and strategic communications consultant

I'm the only candidate with experience in government and public policy. As a journalist, I covered government at all levels and wrote about complex policy issues, such as budgets, public pension systems, and development.

As a public policy professional, I made recommendations for reforming the way sexual assault kits are handled and successfully lobbied the legislature to pass those recommendations into law. I've built coalitions and collaborated with diverse stakeholders.

Fifth district residents want the city to:

Get basic services like snow removal right;

Improve transportation safety;

Improve housing affordability.

Rank and treat EVERY street in Lexington during snow and ice storms.

Make serious progress toward the Vision Zero goal of eliminating traffic deaths and serious injuries, making the city safer for pedestrians and bicyclists.

Dramatically increase the amount of missing middle housing - duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, and other high-density options - to meet the price point needs of households at various income levels and stages of life.

I will communicate via newsletter, social media, and traditional media. I will use my expertise as a former journalist and communications professional to explain complex issues in ways voters can actually understand. I will explain my position on key matters that come before council.

Technology services executive with 20+ years experience working with Fortune 100 & 500 companies to improve operations and support growth. Helping organizations become more efficient, accountable, and prepared for the future. Managed large teams, led complex initiatives, delivered on strategic priorities. Guiding organizations through changes in technology, improving how work gets done. Involved in efforts to streamline processes, put better systems in place, to support long-term improvement.

I believe our city deserves a moderate voice with experience and independent leadership that delivers results. I’ve led complex initiatives, managed resources responsibly, and achieved measurable outcomes. I stay grounded through hands-on service. I listen first and focus on results that reflect residents’ priorities and improve daily life. What sets me apart is proven professional success, decades of community involvement, and a deep commitment to serving the people of the 5th District.

For the 5th District it's about focusing and prioritizing funding on basic services; traffic management and traffic law enforcement; improved road conditions.

For our city it's the above plus addressing in a meaningful way affordable housing, in-fill and redevelopment and economic development that safeguards our primary city government funding sources of payroll and net profits taxes.

Restore vacuum leaf collection in the 5th District to prevent flooding caused by clogged storm sewers. Improve police presence at major intersections and in neighborhoods to enforce traffic laws, targeting red-light violations, rolling through stop signs, rolling right turns and reckless driving. Ensure consistent road repair standards for utility contractors, require flush manholes when paving, and ensure that our snow/ice plan is reliable, responsive, repeatable and effective every time.

I will focus on accessibility, engagement, and transparency. My goal is simple: to make local government something people can understand, access, and grounded in the everyday experiences of our neighbors. More opportunities for small-group discussions across the 5th District that meet people where they are, and neighborhood-based meetings both in-person and virtual. I’ll ensure public input is meaningfully considered and reflected in decisions, while supporting civic education and outreach.

I am a lifelong Lexington resident, local builder, and small business owner. I own and operate residential construction and remodeling companies, working daily with homeowners, subcontractors, inspectors, engineers, and city departments. My background is hands-on and project-driven, with experience managing complex jobs, budgets, timelines, and people while navigating the real-world impact of local regulations, permitting, and infrastructure decisions.

I am qualified because I work inside the systems City Council oversees every day. As a builder and business owner, I navigate permitting, inspections, infrastructure, and budgeting decisions that directly affect residents and small businesses. I bring firsthand experience, fiscal discipline, and a practical problem-solving mindset, along with a collaborative approach focused on accountability, transparency, and improving how city systems function in the real world.

Lexington is growing, and we need a smart growth strategy that balances necessary development with preserving neighborhood character. Fiscal responsibility is critical, our tax dollars should be spent efficiently on essential services, not unnecessary bureaucracy. I will bring a business owner’s eye to the budget. Public safety must remain a priority by ensuring police and fire have the resources, training, and support needed to keep our community safe.

My goals are to improve transparency and efficiency in planning and permitting, support infrastructure investments that reduce long-term maintenance costs, and advocate for a balanced growth approach that respects existing neighborhoods. I will prioritize responsible budgeting, clear communication with residents, and collaboration with city staff and public safety leadership to ensure policies translate into measurable improvements.

I will focus on proactive, accessible communication. I plan to regularly invite residents to attend Council meetings and committee sessions so more people understand how decisions are made. I also support expanding opt-in, district-level communication tools that deliver clear updates on major issues directly to residents by email or text, making participation easier and less intimidating.