Platform
A mayor can’t do everything. But a mayor can do something powerful: shine a light, push for change, and amplify the people’s voice. Here’s what I’ll use the mic for in Woodstock.
Transparency & Accountability
Woodstock already livestreams and archives City Council meetings—but that’s just the starting point. True transparency means people understand and influence decisions before they’re made. As mayor, I’ll protect this platform while expanding it to boards, commissions, and development authorities. I’ll demand plain‑language summaries, improved search tools, and early public input—so City Hall works in daylight, not shadows.
Priorities:
Safeguard livestreaming and extend it across all public bodies
Publish plain-language summaries of key decisions
Make archives and records truly searchable and user-friendly
Require public input early—before deals get made behind doors
Attainable Housing
Woodstock has already stepped up—hosting housing affordability forums and earning a regional Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) grant to improve development standards, walkability, and preserve affordable options. That’s a good start—but pushing developers to include affordable units isn’t happening yet. I’ll champion inclusionary zoning: affordable homes in every new development, where developers give back to our community and working families get a real shot at staying.
Priorities:
Push for mandatory inclusionary zoning in new developments
Ensure LCI projects follow through on affordability and walkability goals
Support missing-middle housing (like cottage homes and accessory units) as livable options
Explore housing trust fund options to fund long-term affordability
Safe, Strong Communities
City Hall supports vibrant public spaces and safety programs (including new fire stations and active economic development). But safety isn’t just about infrastructure—it’s about how we build connection. As mayor, I’ll demand safer streets, invest in linked sidewalks, parks, and gathering spaces and back prevention programs that keep our neighborhoods strong without over-policing.
Priorities:
Connect neighborhoods with safe sidewalks, crosswalks, and parks
Back first responders while supporting community-centered prevention
Expand neighborhood partnerships to build trust and resilience
Make public spaces accessible, inviting, and safe for all ages
Community Health & Family Safety
Residents already benefit from public health resources via Cherokee County programs—like CDBG, public housing referrals, and community repairs. That’s foundation-level support. I’ll use the mayor’s platform to amplify it: support food access, childcare access, senior care, and mental health initiatives—backed by local wellness programs that prioritize families over developers.
Priorities:
Strengthen partnerships with county programs for food, repairs, and utilities
Advocate for family wellness centers and childcare support
Promote senior access services and aging-in-place strategies
Push for accessible mental health resources and community safety initiatives
Local Business & Creative Economy
Woodstock already supports entrepreneurs through efforts like Made Mercantile and small business training programs. But too often, big developers and outside corporations get the red-carpet treatment while local businesses fight through barriers on their own. As mayor, I’ll make sure the city puts its energy into supporting homegrown businesses and celebrating Woodstock’s creative scene. My role isn’t to run city departments—it’s to shine a spotlight, convene solutions, and make sure the voices of small business owners are heard as loudly as the developers.
Priorities:
Champion “Buy Local” campaigns to keep more dollars in our community
Use the mayor’s platform to call out barriers that hurt small businesses
Host regular small business roundtables with city staff and entrepreneurs
Spotlight Woodstock’s music, arts, and creative makers as economic drivers
Push council to prioritize local business support over developer tax breaks
Education Access & Opportunity
City government doesn’t run schools—but Woodstock already benefits from state workforce training and local development partnerships. That’s a base. As mayor, I’ll deepen it—expand after-school tutoring, adult learning, and real career pathways—so education isn’t just for the privileged, but accessible and ongoing across every stage of life.
Priorities:
Fund after-school and tutoring in partnership with schools / nonprofits
Build adult learning and workforce programs linking to local industries
Advocate for early childhood support in city planning
Partner with Cherokee-based education and training resources
Democracy & Civic Engagement
Democracy thrives when people show up—and Woodstock has spaces like town halls and public boards, but turnout remains a challenge. That’s not enough. I’ll use my platform to energize civic engagement: regular neighborhood town halls, pre-vote public input, and an open invitation for every resident to raise their voice. Your mic is the mayor’s mic.
Priorities:
Host regular, accessible town halls across neighborhoods
Ensure public comments are heard before council votes
Use the mayor’s voice to boost voter turnout and civic participation
Create welcoming engagement opportunities to counter apathetic and extremist silences