Douglas County's greatest strength has always been its people. The challenges facing Douglas County are complex, and there are rarely simple answers. My approach has always been to listen carefully, bring people together, and make thoughtful decisions that balance competing needs while preparing our community for the future. These priorities reflect the values and practical leadership I will continue to bring to the County Commission.
Working Together to Solve Problems
My commitment: Bring people together to tackle complex challenges and find practical solutions.
Throughout my career as an educator, community leader, and County Commissioner, I've learned that our best work happens when we listen to one another and work across differences. Douglas County's biggest challenges cannot be solved by a single person or organization; they require partnerships.
I will continue working to:
Responsible Fiscal Stewardship and Tax Relief
My commitment: Deliver excellent public services while recognizing the financial pressures facing Douglas County families.
We must balance community affordability with excellent public services. By avoiding expensive debt, we saved taxpayers millions. I am proud to have helped reduce the Douglas County mill levy to its lowest rate since 2013 and secured funding for senior property tax rebates.
I will continue working to:
Growing Our Economy While Protecting What is Special about Douglas County
My commitment: Build a stronger economy while preserving the natural resources and quality of life that make Douglas County unique.
When residential home prices skyrocket, the tax burden falls too heavily on local families. We must expand our commercial and industrial tax base to lower the burden on homeowners. I am deeply committed to navigating the tension between economic growth and preserving our valued natural resources—ensuring we build a strong local economy without sacrificing the unique environment we love. A healthy community requires both economic opportunity and environmental stewardship.
I will continue working to:
Supporting Our Neighbors and Strengthening Communities
My commitment: Build community systems that help people live safely, independently, and with dignity.
Real progress means investing in systems that actually work. Expanding supportive housing, mental health crisis networks, and senior care doesn't just allow our neighbors to age with dignity in their own homes—it keeps individuals out of the criminal justice system and reduces reliance on expensive emergency services. Strong communities invest wisely in prevention and support.
I will continue working to:
My commitment: Bring people together to tackle complex challenges and find practical solutions.
Throughout my career as an educator, community leader, and County Commissioner, I've learned that our best work happens when we listen to one another and work across differences. Douglas County's biggest challenges cannot be solved by a single person or organization; they require partnerships.
I will continue working to:
- Build strong partnerships with cities, schools, and community organizations.
- Create space for productive conversations about difficult issues.
- Ensure residents have a voice in decisions that affect their lives.
- Help our community navigate difficult choices with honesty, respect, and a focus on shared success.
Responsible Fiscal Stewardship and Tax Relief
My commitment: Deliver excellent public services while recognizing the financial pressures facing Douglas County families.
We must balance community affordability with excellent public services. By avoiding expensive debt, we saved taxpayers millions. I am proud to have helped reduce the Douglas County mill levy to its lowest rate since 2013 and secured funding for senior property tax rebates.
I will continue working to:
- Keep county government financially responsible.
- Seek innovative funding partnerships that reduce the burden on local taxpayers.
- Protect essential services while maintaining affordability.
- Support targeted property tax relief for those most affected by rising valuations.
Growing Our Economy While Protecting What is Special about Douglas County
My commitment: Build a stronger economy while preserving the natural resources and quality of life that make Douglas County unique.
When residential home prices skyrocket, the tax burden falls too heavily on local families. We must expand our commercial and industrial tax base to lower the burden on homeowners. I am deeply committed to navigating the tension between economic growth and preserving our valued natural resources—ensuring we build a strong local economy without sacrificing the unique environment we love. A healthy community requires both economic opportunity and environmental stewardship.
I will continue working to:
- Encourage responsible economic development.
- Diversify our tax base.
- Protect natural resources and agricultural lands.
- Implement the Douglas County Open Space Plan through collaboration and thoughtful planning.
Supporting Our Neighbors and Strengthening Communities
My commitment: Build community systems that help people live safely, independently, and with dignity.
Real progress means investing in systems that actually work. Expanding supportive housing, mental health crisis networks, and senior care doesn't just allow our neighbors to age with dignity in their own homes—it keeps individuals out of the criminal justice system and reduces reliance on expensive emergency services. Strong communities invest wisely in prevention and support.
I will continue working to:
- Expand housing supports for seniors, working families, and those who struggle to make ends meet.
- Strengthen behavioral health and crisis response services.
- Support aging in place for older adults.
- Invest in proven strategies that improve lives while reducing long-term public costs.