PRIORITIES

JOHNSON CITY, HERE'S WHERE I STAND...

 

Over past several months, I’ve been Listening to Johnson City. And listening also means being willing to tell you where I stand.

 

Affordability/ Property Taxes:

Before asking taxpayers for more, we should prioritize needs over wants, look for efficiencies, determine what can be cut from the budget before adding to it, and protect affordability. Through my work in the community, my team and I spend countless hours providing aid, support, and solutions for families facing eviction, utility cutoffs, and other financial hardships. I see firsthand how inflation and the rising costs of housing, food, utilities, transportation, and other basic necessities are putting tremendous pressure on working families and seniors. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Johnson City’s median household income is approximately $57,000 and more than 20% of our residents live below the poverty line. For many households, there simply is not much room left in the family budget for additional costs. That is why I do not believe a property tax increase of this magnitude is the right solution at a time when so many people are already struggling to make ends meet. We are seeing a growing number of seniors faced with difficult financial decisions, including considering reverse mortgages rather than being able to pass their homes down to their children. We also work with employed families who have housing today but are only one or two paychecks away from homelessness. These are real people and real circumstances that must be considered when government makes decisions that increase the cost of living. I believe in responsible growth, strong public services, and investing in our city's future. But before placing a greater burden on taxpayers, city government should demonstrate that it has prioritized essential needs, eliminated unnecessary spending, found efficiencies, and explored reasonable alternatives. Growth should never mean pricing people out of the community they love, helped build, and want to continue calling home.

 

Flock Cameras:

I support our police officers and providing them with the resources needed to keep Johnson City safe. However, I oppose the City’s current Flock camera program. We need greater transparency, strong safeguards, and accountability for how this technology is used.  Public safety should not require sacrificing privacy, accountability or responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars. The City entered into a 10-year agreement totaling approximately $8.06 million.​ I believe we should reevaluate this agreement and pursue public safety solutions that protect both our residents and their privacy. I would rather prioritize resources toward our police officers, firefighters, EMS, infrastructure, and other essential services that directly serve our community.

​

Data Centers:

I oppose locating data centers within Johnson City’s city limits. While I understand the growing need for technology infrastructure, we must carefully consider the impact these facilities can have on our neighborhoods, utilities, infrastructure, environment, and quality of life. Economic development should benefit the people who already call Johnson City home and should not come at the expense of our residents or place unnecessary strain on essential resources. I support responsible growth that protects our neighborhoods, preserves our community, and ensures that development serves the long-term interests of our residents.

 

City Hall:

Too many people tell me they don’t feel heard. People shouldn’t have to agree with City Hall to know that City Hall heard them. I believe we need greater transparency and meaningful public engagement before major decisions are made.

 

City Leadership:

No position should be above accountability. I’m not running to protect anybody’s job, and I’m not running to take anybody’s job. I’m running to do my job and make decisions based on what’s best for Johnson City.

 

You may not agree with me on everything, and that’s okay. But you’ll always know where I stand. And I stand for and with the people of this city.