The Issues
Keep Sterling Heights Safe
Some candidates have advocated for a volunteer fire department, and further cuts to our police. Not me. I know how important it is to protect and expand these life-saving services.
Cuts would harm response times and endanger public safety. That’s why instead I advocated for the Safe Streets millage, and voted to hire 6 more firefighters, 10 more police officers, and a social worker to keep our residents safe.
Even with these additions, there is still more work to do. Our city still has 15 fewer police officers than before the Great Recession. I won’t stop fighting until our police department returns to full strength, ensuring that Sterling Heights remains one of America’s safest cities.
Expanded EMS Response
I understand that in an emergency, every second counts. That’s why I voted to hire 6 more firefighters to man our expanded city ambulance fleet.
Public Safety is my first priority, since I know that our residents rely on our award-winning fire and police services to keep them safe. While other candidates want to make cuts to public safety, and go to a volunteer fire department, I will always vote to protect and expand these life-saving services.
Better Code Enforcement
In a city of our size, there are always a few people that don’t properly care for their homes, harming all of our property values. That’s why I’ve fought to hire 4 more Code Enforcement Officers to fight blight, making sure Sterling Heights remains beautiful.
Make Voting Easier
I was proud to sponsor the Sterling Heights budget amendment that allowed absentee ballots to be returned to the city postage-free. I also fought for our 5 local ballot drop-boxes throughout the city. I firmly believe we should do everything we can to make voting as easy and hassle-free as possible.
Creation of a Southern Recreation Center
I have long advocated for a southern recreation center for our youth. Currently, all city facilities are located near Dodge Park, and can be a hassle to reach, especially during rush hour.
That’s not good enough for our children. We need parks that are accessible in every part of our city, so that every child can play right in their neighborhood.
A City for Everyone
Having chosen to make my home here, I know that diversity is one of Sterling Heights’ great strengths. Our city’s openness to residents from around the globe coupled with our low taxes and excellent services make Sterling Heights a destination for young families and new citizens alike.
Repeal the Fireworks Law
Fireworks disturb our city’s tranquility, terrorize our pets, and upset veterans.
As a Councilman, I wrote and passed the most restrictive consumer fireworks ordinance in the state. Sadly—because our city’s hands are tied by the state legislature—it doesn’t go far enough.
I promise to continue to push our legislators in Lansing to completely repeal the consumer fireworks law, and restore peace to our neighborhoods.
Voted Against the City Manager’s $38,000 raise.
Sterling Heights has a great city manager and our government is run very efficiently. However, during the pandemic, with an unsure budget, it was not the time to give a pay raise to our most senior employee.
That’s why I voted against raising the City Manager’s pay by nearly $38,000 a year. As I said in the meeting, “the move was almost a slap in the face to struggling residents, whose lives are on hold because of the pandemic.”
More Trails & Parks
In the last few years, several proposals have come before council to expand our parks and trail system. I fully support the creation of additional trails and the linkage of our park system to the Iron-Belle Trail.
I voted for the Delia Park to Beaumont Hospital non-motorized trail and have advocated for an additional path and non-linear park to be built in the 15 1/2 Mile Relief Drain.
Trails and parks increase our property values, encourage exercise, and make Sterling Heights a more desirable place to live.
Expanded & Improved Sidewalk Replacement
A truly multi-modal city requires sidewalks for residents to use. I have long been an advocate of expanding and improving our sidewalk replacement plan.
Currently, residents are assessed for all sidewalk repairs, even though these pathways are for everyone’s use.
Under my proposed plan, a .2 mill tax—equating to $20/year on the average household—would be assessed. This would equate to $400 over the expected life of their sidewalk. The city would then takeover all sidewalk repairs.
I believe my plan is more equitable than our current assessments, where some residents have received bills of up to $5000 for sidewalk replacement.
Public Art
As a huge advocate of public art, I have led the way on the city council in helping to transform vacant walls and unused areas into engaging, beautiful public spaces.
Public Art speaks to the city’s aspirations, and brightens up residents’ days. With a very small investment, art improves our city’s images and beautifies often blank spaces. I’m proud to support it.
Supporter of LGBTQ+ Rights
Since before I was on Council, I have been a strong supporter of LGBTQ+ Rights. Everyone has a right to be free of discrimination if they live and work in Sterling Heights.
That’s why I opposed the repeal of our city’s 2014 Human Rights Ordinance. And that’s why I support the passage of a new Human Rights Ordinance to ensure that discrimination, bigotry, and animus have no place in Sterling Heights.
I’m proud to live in a vibrant, diverse, welcoming city, where everyone is included.