A careful steward of taxpayer resources, I’ve sought to responsibly grow the amenities and services that increase our quality of life without imposing an undue tax burden or fee schedule on city residents.

In my eight years as the Parks and Recreation chair, I worked to expand the network of parks, playgrounds and multi-use trails that citizens enjoy.

In my tenure I’ve been proud to see the council—

• Approve a Parks and Recreation Master Plan that provides for a unique mountain bike park and two linear parks, one on the banks of the Chattahoochee River
• Replace playground equipment at four parks—including a universally accessible playground at Cobb Park and the Concord Road Linear Park
• Add playground equipment to Chuck Camp Park and bring special playground equipment to Tolleson Park for children with learning differences

I have a long record of working with citizens, public safety officials, and city employees to protect and improve local neighborhoods and highways in Ward 5 and to resolve resident concerns.

In my 12 years in office, I have —

• Negotiated safer traffic conditions in neighborhoods, or between residential areas and shopping centers, as new developments unfolded
• Resolved major stormwater runoff issues and repaired broken sidewalks in local neighborhoods
• Helped start Neighborhood Watch programs to boost public safety
• Supported several Adopt-a-Mile groups, joining volunteers four or more times each year to clean up long stretches of South Cobb Drive, Pat Mell Road and other areas in Ward 5
• Advocated for proper code enforcement and animal control protections within the city limits

My recent accomplishments include numerous traffic calming and pedestrian safety initiatives throughout the city, including –

• Landscaped islands on Church Street that serve as traffic calming and beautification elements in Ward 5
• A pedestrian-activated crossover for safely crossing Church Street at the Wolfe Senior Center and Church Street Park, benefiting pedestrians of this Ward 5 neighborhood
• A pedestrian crossover and three-way stop at Powder Springs Street and Stone Creek Road that benefit students walking to and from Campbell High School as well as Ward 5 residents walking their dogs and children in the neighborhood
• New sidewalks on Pat Mell Road and Glendale Place so that families of Ward 5 can safely walk their children to Green Acres Elementary and Belmont Hills Elementary
• Initiating approval and completion of the Glendale Place connector, providing safer access between South Cobb Drive and Old Concord Road leading to the entrance of Smyrna Grove subdivision
• Adding striping and signage to roadways throughout Ward 5 to improve traffic calming and safety

Quality public schools are essential to the growth of our city and its people, and I’ve always been a strong supporter. As early as 2007, I was appointed by the mayor and council to serve on the city’s Educational Task Force, which lead to the present Smyrna Educational Foundation. Since then, I’ve been active and on the scene in Smyrna schools, whether serving as Principal for a Day at Campbell Middle, a science fair judge at Russell Elementary, installing a learning garden at Green Acres Elementary, or introducing the city’s K-9 dog to the students at Belmont Hills Elementary.

Today I’m proud to serve on the Education Committee of the council, recognizing and celebrating the achievements of students, teachers, volunteers, and business partners in Smyrna schools.

I believe in transparent government – the only kind that’s in the best interests of all citizens. I don’t accept any form of enticement that might influence my vote or position on an issue, and I’m not part of any special interest group or lobby. As citizens, we should expect council members to disclose any potential conflicts of interest and to recuse themselves from discussion and voting on any city contract, business, project or development in which they have a vested interest.

I’m committed to preserving the integrity of our neighborhoods, and to balancing the needs and interests of private citizens and business owners/developers alike with the goal of strengthening our community as a whole. When evaluating proposed developments, I carefully consider the project’s impact on area neighborhoods, traffic, city zoning, and the immediate or long-term costs to Smyrna residents.

Growth is great, but as our city expands, it’s important to keep a range of attractive housing options that will continue to serve our diverse citizenry, including families, professionals, public servants, veterans, and seniors.

In my 12 years of service, I’ve supported Habitat for Humanity, Wounded Warrior and Rebuilding Together homes in Ward 5, and I’ve advocated for senior housing as part of new residential developments.

Most recently, I’m proud of my role in bringing Rebuilding Together to the City of Smyrna—a partnership benefiting citizens throughout Smyrna. Rebuilding Together works to adapt homes so that seniors, veterans and those with needs can remain in their homes and age in place.

I support the continued revitalization of Ward 5 – especially the South Cobb Drive corridor (between Windy Hill Road and Concord Road) and the continued connectivity of Smyrna’s new multi-use trails on this side of Ward 5. Along with voter-approved SPLOST (Special Local Option Sales Tax) and committed funds from the Atlanta Regional Commission, the city now has approximately $17 million allocated for this major infrastructure project.