Where I Stand on Our Issues

Education

For many years under Democratic leadership, the Franklin County Board of Commissioners fully funded Board of Education budget requests. As a result of that strong support, Franklin County parents could be confident in their child's education. When Republicans gained control of the Board of Commissioners in 2020, one of their first actions was to attack our schools. In 2023 alone they proposed a $4.1 million cut to the schools’ budget request. Ultimately, the operating budget was fully funded but their attempt to cut school funding was indicative of a willingness to betray our county's long-standing commitment to high quality public schools.

Where I stand:

I will work to ensure that Franklin County Schools are fully funded so that:

  • Scholastic programs continue to improve

  • All educators and support staff are paid an appropriate wage

  • Vital improvements to school infrastructure are completed

  • Collaborate with the school bus drivers directly to solve our county-wide shortage of drivers

I will also support county investment in improved and more extensive low to no cost adult education.

Infrastructure

Today, Franklin County faces numerous infrastructure issues:

  • Lack of internet access or sub-standard service

  • No plan for a future water source

  • Mounting traffic issues in the face of uncontrolled growth in residential development

  • Chronic problems with Cell Service and Emergency Radio coverage

Where I stand

I will work to:

  • Accelerate the rollout of new rural broadband services while pushing to improve existing service where it does not meet current standards

  • Expedite the rollout of cell service and expanded radio coverage for all Emergency Services throughout the county

  • Prioritize resolution of the county's traffic concerns and water issues to bring clarity on how we can effectively support future growth

Housing

US housing costs have increased substantially in recent months and Franklin County is no exception. While residential construction races ahead in our county, the cost of a new home is out of reach for far too many.

Where I stand

I will work to:

  • Prioritize Affordable Housing in Franklin County

  • Work to ensure that infrastructure is updated before or concurrently with large housing projects, not after they have become a problem

  • Champion the standard that County employees should be able to afford to live in the county they work for

Transparency and Inclusion

Elections may be partisan, but government interaction with county residents should never be. Contracts can get complicated, but county residents should always be able to see how their money is being spent. It may take time to allow county residents to have their say at a meeting, but they should always be given that time.

Where I stand:

  • Everyone should have a voice in local government. Citizen participation at local government meetings should be encouraged

  • Elected officials should represent all citizens, not just those who voted for them

  • Local government should be transparent and impose a minimum of bureaucracy

  • Local government should prioritize the needs of the citizens over the needs of outside corporations or other entities