Serving you the last four years on the Fort Collins City Council has been an honor and a privilege for me.

As a lifelong resident of Fort Collins, I used to ride my bike to City Hall to watch my father on City Council. I even served as “Mayor for the Day” when I was 15 years old. Now I continue the tradition in serving the citizens of Fort Collins looking to provide the leadership necessary that has made Fort Collins the “choice city.” I was elected to City Council in April 2007 representing District 4.

I am running for reelection to secure a healthy and prosperous future for Fort Collins.  I believe that we can achieve that future by ensuring a vibrant economy, by renewing partnerships and collaboration in the region and by focusing on citizen-centered priorities.

Improving Fort Collins’ economic health and vitality is my number one priority. A vibrant economy is the engine that provides the means for our citizens to thrive and the resources for our city government to provide the services and amenities we rely on and enjoy. A strong economy today is the best foundation for our economic, cultural, and environmental future.

At the same time, Fort Collins does not exist on an island nor does our community function in a vacuum.  I believe that we must work within our community and with our surrounding communities to foster collaboration and to encourage partnerships that are a win-win for all those involved.  We can positively impact the future for our own community through innovation and sustainable solutions.

I am also committed to strong partnership and close collaboration with Colorado State University. Fort Collins has been a “college town” since its very first decade of existence. We are fortunate that Fort Collins is the home of Colorado State University.  CSU is the largest employer and an economic catalyst for the city. Young adults come to Fort Collins for their education as they make their home here while they study, work and recreate. Students undeniably add to the vibrancy of our community whether it is the excitement on game day, enthusiasm from a server at a local restaurant in Old Town, diversity from cultures from around the world, or talents exhibited through the arts, scholarship or entrepreneurship.

Finally, our citizens want excellent services delivered by a lean city government that functions within its means. I am committed to working hard to provide exactly that.  Since being elected to City Council in 2007, I have participated in three budget cycles and I understand the ins and outs, as well as the pros and cons, of the Budgeting for Outcomes (BFO) process. We need to prioritize programs in a way that puts the citizens first. As the needs and wants of our citizens change, our budget should reflect that rather just maintain the status quo.

I am proud of our accomplishments since I have been on City Council, but much work still needs to be done.  I can provide the balance, integrity and leadership required to take our community towards a bright future.  I ask for your vote by mail-in ballot by April 5th.  Thank you.