Jackson Free Press

Why does your district need you right now?

For the last 21 years residents of District 65 has had very effective representation and deserve for it to be continued for years to come. I have intensively shadowed our current state representative for several years in preparation for this opportunity. I have also developed and nurtured personal and professional relationships over the last 10 years with some of the most influential leaders of this great state regardless of party affiliation. I feel it would be a disservice to the residents to lose or have to recreate the connections and favor established through these experiences. My mission is to get the residents more involved in the legislative process and bridge the gap between generations to ensure that we are addressing all interests (and) needs of this district.

Provide one or two examples of when you have been an advocate for your district in your personal or professional life. What was the result?

In my personal life, I frequently converse with current members of the House of Representatives discussing how their actions/inaction are directly effecting their constituents. I also educate my fellow residents on how to express individual special interest and hold our representative accountable. As a result the residents felt included! Surprisingly, as as trivial as it may sound, most people just want their voice to be heard.

In the past year or so, what was the most important vote taken for your district? How would you have voted and why? What is the most pressing issue for your district?

The education budget is the most important vote for our district. Without hesitation, I would (have) voted to fully fund education. The Legislature promised us it would be fully funded yet this has only happens twice since the late '90s. What is the most pressing issue? I have posed this question to numerous District 65 residents along my campaign trail, and most had a similar response. Health-care reform, we want access to adequate and affordable healthcare!

If you could propose one piece of legislation that would greatly improve the quality of life for people your district what would it be?

I would propose legislation that requires employers to examine yearly cost-of-living increases in relation to annual pay raises for its employees.

If you are unsuccessful in winning your race, how specifically will you continue working on behalf of your district?

I would continue to keep myself abreast on the issues that are important to this district's residents. Also inform them on the yearly legislative agenda to give them an overall idea of what the state as a whole has deemed most important during that year. I would like to start an interactive online blog/ group where the resident can have unlimited access to the information stated above. This will allow them to be more proactive in making sure their voices are heard.