COMMUNITY
SAFETY.
For any community to thrive, safety must be priority #1.
All of our neighborhoods must be safe for our children to succeed and our residents to flourish.
As your commissioner, I have prioritized police and fire funding and will continue to work to ensure appropriate staffing in both departments. I will continue to make sure that our police and fire professionals are among the best trained and most qualified in northern Kentucky.
Since being re-elected in 2024:
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Voted to approve increased salaries and benefits for police and fire workers..
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Supported police and fire full staffing for enhanced community safety and employee well-being.
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Voted to approve police department requests for electric vehicles.
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Voted to approve fire department requests for safety equipment and a new fire engine.
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Requested town hall discussion between police department, Flock Company, and residents about automated license plate readers (ALPRS).
ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT.
Strong economic development and private sector investment are critical for Newport. Revenues generated from the private sector are vital for the City’s long-term stability. Having a strong, business-friendly environment with jobs based in Newport will provide revenue to keep our community safe and taxes affordable, provide affordable housing opportunities, and preserve our quality of life in Newport.
Since 2024, I have:
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Supported efforts to grow the Newport economy through the recruitment of new businesses and various projects throughout the city.
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Continued development at the Ovation Project.
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Voted for development, at the former Peace Bell site, of a new City Garage and two new hotels, Tru and Home2Suites.
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Voted to approve a new Kroger grocery store in west Newport.
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Voted to establish a façade grant program partnership between the City and ReNewport with focus on small business properties.
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Voted for the City to purchase the former Brass Ass, Brass Mule, and huddles along with five adjacent properties, opening opportunities for redevelopment of Monmouth Street.
AFFORDABLE
HOUSING.
We need quality affordable housing. No one should experience homelessness or live in deteriorating properties. I have over 25 years of experience in helping our neighbors struggling with basic needs, and ensuring affordable, attainable housing is a critical priority. As your commissioner, I have supported innovative housing programs that make home ownership and rentals accessible to all citizens of Newport. We must continue to protect our residents from real-estate developers that put profit over the well-being of our citizens.
What I have worked on:
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The City’s continued work through Neighborhood Foundations for construction of affordable housing units (>140 homes sold to qualified buyers in the past 20 years).
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Continued strengthening licensing and code staff work with residents and contractors.
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Voted for Urban Sites development of the market rate apartment complex at the former Peace Bell site.
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Voted for PLK Communities site remediation and development of market rate apartments and townhomes at former steel mill site in west Newport.
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Voted for façade grant program partnership between the City, Habitat for Humanity, and ReNewport, benefiting resident owners in the Buena Vista Local Historic District.
QUALITY OF LIFE.
Newport is a unique American community that is proud of our citizens' engagement. With our walkable city, access to the region’s finest attractions, parks, and riverfront charm, we are truly lucky to call Newport home. While it is important for us to evolve and grow, we must not sacrifice our quality of life that makes Newport the best place to live. I will always be accessible to all constituents, tackle infrastructure needs, protect our environment, remember our historical and architectural heritage, and strive to make Newport an even better place to live.
What I have advocated for and supported to maintain and improve Newport's quality of life:
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Tree planting with ReNewport.
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Trash pickup events to keep our city clean.
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East Row, Clifton, and West Side Citizens Coalition neighborhoods' group efforts.
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Supported implementing Tri-State Trails transportation study recommendations for improving bike and pedestrian safety.
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Encouraged expanded use of Newport Entertainment District.
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Voted for General James Taylor Park and Festival Park redevelopment.
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Serves as OKI Board and Executive Committee member, representing Newport and supporting regional transportation projects.
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Voted to return the Purple People Bridge to City of Newport's full control and management.
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Served as committee member of Read Ready Newport initiative to increase literacy through partnership between EducateNKY, the City of Newport, Newport Independent Schools, and our community partnerships.
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Served as committee member of the City’s Flood Wall Mural Committee and supported bringing Newport’s unique story to our community through art.
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Served as planning committee member and researcher for the First Monmouth Historical Pub Crawl, created to celebrate our history and enjoy Newport's main street.
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Voted for the City to purchase the former Brass Ass, Brass Mule, and Huddles along with five adjacent properties; our action ends adult entertainment in Newport and improves both safety and quality of life.
