How Do My Policies Work on Your Behalf?

Fiscal Responsibility & Transparency

You may notice there is not a spot on this website to donate to my campaign. This is intentional.

During my many conversations with Novato residents, finances and affordability have always been the largest worry. Whether this sentiment comes from working families, seniors on fixed incomes, single parents, or young residents wanting to set their roots in the city - they are disillusioned and confused with the fiscal choices being made by the city, and lack of urgency acting upon their requests.

Members of the City Council need to ensure the budget is being used diligently, and for projects that can improve the quality of life for the greatest number of Novato residents. While, this includes improving walking paths around the city, illumination for pedestrian crossings, and street repairs, our city recently voted for a permanent sales tax increase, due to the fact that we were running on a deficit for five years prior.

Openness and diligence with the city finances shows a respect to the taxpayers of this community. My time with portfolio management would ensure that these new funds are being used appropriately, lest we find ourselves in a reoccurring cycle of overspending towards items that are not critical to our community.

Commercial Uplift & Revitalization

Commercial property vacancies in Novato sit high an alarming 34%. There are currently few avenues available for entrepreneurs and local businesses owners to easily fill these spaces, leading to stagnation in the community, as well as a devaluation of local residential property values.

While permitting has slowly improved with our new Director of Community Development, the journey of starting a business in this area can be daunting. As part of the Design Review Commission, I’ve seen the current need and path forward to ensure these businesses uplift the rest of the Novato with their success.

By incentivizing property owners to have these spaces filled, we can create opportunities to expand our existing community, and revitalize locations that sit empty for years on end. Easing the journey for entrepreneurs and business owners, while still keeping additions to the existing fabric of the city is manageable with our assistance.

These are places we celebrate our achievements, make memories, share meals with loved ones, display our art, and build our community upon. My time with franchise development would ensure continued support of local businesses which are the lifeblood to a city like Novato.

Accountability & Communication

Over my years of living in Novato, I have quietly attended City Council sessions as a member of the public. During this time I listened to the concerned voices in the community fall on deaf ears, and the lack of communication and transparency over voting choices spoke louder than any microphone.

I want to ensure that the City Council is accountable to the constituents of Novato, especially if this means we must over communicate why certain choices need to be made, rather than ignore the issues at hand. This applies to matters such a refusal to apply for grants worth millions of dollars, or why certain contracts are granted despite concerns from residents.

We recently made national news over the handling of the Marin Valley Mobile Country Club, and being able to properly address issues with residents of the city first is the best step in preventing issues and miscommunication going forward.

I have spent years growing my skills in building trust in my customer and client relationships. I understand the need to guarantee openness and satisfaction in all communications. My desire is to maintain this same standard, and show this respect to the deserving residents of Novato.