Monroe should be a city where families can put down roots, feel safe in their neighborhoods, and build a future with confidence. A strong community starts with safe streets, reliable infrastructure, affordable living, and opportunities close to home. These are not new or complicated ideas. They are the same principles families rely on every day when making decisions about their homes, their children, and their future.

Leadership is not about slogans or popularity. It is about responsibility, accountability, and making decisions that protect the long term health of the community, even when those decisions are difficult. My career has been shaped by solving real problems, taking responsibility for outcomes, and standing firm when it matters most.

Monroe must remain a place where families can stay for generations, not a city pushed beyond its limits by unchecked growth, rising costs, or short sighted decisions. This platform is built on common sense, proven experience, and a clear commitment to protecting Monroe’s neighborhoods, strengthening our economy, and preserving the quality of life that makes this city home.

Safe Communities Start with Strong Partnerships

After nearly thirty years in law enforcement, I understand how important it is for officers to know they have the support of their elected leaders. I’ve spent my career working alongside men and women who put on the uniform every day, often facing danger most people never see. Monroe is fortunate to have a professional, dedicated, and capable police department, and their work makes our city a safer place to live, work, and raise a family.

The ideas outlined here are not about changing what already works they are about strengthening it. By building on existing success, improving coordination, and expanding prevention efforts, we can better support our officers and the community they serve.

Key Priorities

• Encourage a comprehensive community centered strategy modeled on Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), bringing together law enforcement, prosecutors, community leaders, and service providers to reduce violent crime through focused deterrence, prevention, and accountability.

• Common sense enforcement and focused deterrence by supporting the collaboration between MPD and prosecutors to help focus resources toward the prosecution of repeat offenders and crimes that occur in neighborhoods that have long term issues with crime. 

• Encourage the continued collaboration between MPD and faith based and community leaders, strengthening trust and communication throughout Monroe’s neighborhoods.

• Explore the creation of a community based response network made up of trusted local leaders who can help prevent retaliation following serious incidents. By maintaining open communication with this group, even after smaller incidents, MPD and community partners can share information that helps prevent escalation. Working in coordination with MPD, this network would help de-escalate tensions and reduce the likelihood of further violence.

• Expand collaboration between the police, courts, and the District Attorney, including designated participation from the DA’s Office and Union County Courts on the Public Safety Committee.

• Use code enforcement as a proactive tool to stabilize neighborhoods and prevent decline before it starts, by addressing issues such as abandoned vehicles, illegal parking in yards, and chronic property neglect that impact safety and quality of life. 

• Public safety works best when our officers know that their leadership stands behind them. I will continue to support competitive public safety pay and training that helps Monroe recruit, retain, and support high quality police officers and public safety professionals.

A Community Focused Approach to Safety

Public safety is strongest when law enforcement, community leaders, and residents work together. Through collaboration, communication, and shared responsibility, we can reduce crime, build trust, and continue improving the quality of life across Monroe.

Protecting Our Community from Unchecked Growth

My perspective on growth comes from experience. Long before I served on City Council, I watched what unchecked development did to other communities with neighborhoods growing faster than infrastructure could support, roads deteriorating, public safety stretched thin, and overall quality of life declining. When I began seeing those same patterns emerging in Monroe, I knew we had to act before it was too late.

That is what led me to get involved, first on the Planning Board and later on City Council, to make sure growth in Monroe works for the people who already live here.

I am the only candidate for Mayor, or any elected office in Monroe, who can say that I personally put forward clear, substantive amendments to our development ordinances that were debated, adopted, and put into effect. 

These changes will protect Monroe’s hometown character by reducing future residential density, increasing transparency in the approval process, and strengthening oversight of development decisions.

Unfortunately, we have thousands of homes, including the ones being built today, that were approved by council before I was elected. 

Key Priorities

• Remain vigilant in protecting Monroe’s hometown character by defending our development standards at the state level. We have already seen proposed state level bills that would have stripped away the very amendments I fought to put in place, amendments that reduce density, improve transparency, and require greater accountability in the development process. These reforms are critical to ensuring growth protects neighborhoods, infrastructure, and long term livability. If Monroe’s leaders are not paying close attention, these protections can be taken away in an instant. I will continue to stand guard to make sure that doesn’t happen.

• Fight to restore local control over zoning and overturn the state’s down zoning restriction. The current state law takes away Monroe’s ability to reduce density or strengthen development standards even when residents overwhelmingly support it. I will work with our state delegation to restore local authority so Monroe can protect neighborhoods and manage growth responsibly. Restoring this authority protects homeowners, preserves property values, safeguards infrastructure, and ensures growth happens at a pace our roads, schools, and public safety services can handle.

Not all growth is the same.

Our roads were not designed to handle the level of congestion we are seeing today. When everyday travel becomes frustrating, people begin to question whether Monroe is still the place they want to live. By planning responsibly and thinking ahead, Monroe can serve its citizens while preserving the stability, character, and quality of life that make our city home.

Monroe needs leaders who have shown the consistency to reduce the density of future residential development and fight for changes that protect our infrastructure. Through my actions, not just my words, I have shown that I am committed to protecting Monroe’s future and putting residents first.

Protecting Our Current Infrastructure While Planning Ahead

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in public service is that growth without infrastructure is not progress, it is a liability. Roads, utilities, and public safety systems must be in place before growth occurs, not after residents are already paying the price.

That is why I support an “Infrastructure First” approach to development, one that ensures Monroe’s roads and utilities are ready before new growth is approved.

Key Priorities

• Establish a dedicated infrastructure “lockbox” fund.
Create a policy that sets aside a fixed percentage of city revenue or the overall budget specifically for road maintenance and transportation improvements. These funds would be restricted for infrastructure use only and could not be diverted for other purposes.

• Advocate for state level changes to secure more road funding.
The Powell Bill was created decades ago and no longer reflects the true cost of maintaining roads in fast growing communities like Monroe. I will work with state leaders and municipal partners to modernize the funding formula so it accounts for construction costs, traffic volume, and the wear caused by regional growth, not just population totals.

• Ensure growth pays for itself through fair impact and permitting fees.
It can take years for residential development to generate enough tax revenue to cover the long term costs of roads, utilities, and public safety. I have consistently supported permitting and system development fees that reflect those real costs so existing residents are not subsidizing new growth.

• Require City Council approval before utility capacity is committed outside city limits. Monroe’s utilities must serve Monroe residents and businesses first. Any agreement that commits our utility capacity should require a vote of the City Council to ensure transparency and accountability.

• Develop a clear, long term plan to reclaim lost wastewater capacity.
Increased demand and aging infrastructure have reduced available capacity and driven up maintenance costs. I will continue pushing for a long term plan to restore capacity and protect our system. Every gallon of rainwater kept out of the wastewater system saves taxpayer dollars and strengthens infrastructure resilience.

• Advocate for state level changes that allow Monroe to reserve utility capacity for job creating development.
These changes would allow the city to prioritize commercial, industrial, and employment generating projects that strengthen our tax base and support long term economic stability.

A Responsible Path Forward

Protecting Monroe’s future means making careful, deliberate decisions, not chasing growth for growth’s sake. Our focus must remain on maintaining the infrastructure we already have, protecting taxpayers, and preserving the quality of life that makes Monroe home. By planning ahead, demanding accountability, and ensuring development pays its own way, we can safeguard our neighborhoods, our resources, and our financial stability while allowing Monroe to grow responsibly.

Responsible Tax Policy

Keeping Monroe affordable for families and businesses starts with responsible financial leadership. That means respecting taxpayer dollars, planning ahead, and exploring every option possible to avoid raising taxes.

I have voted against raising taxes on the people and businesses of Monroe because I believe families should not be asked to carry a heavier burden, especially when many are already facing higher county taxes.

To reduce the likelihood of future tax increases, we must manage spending carefully and address long term obligations before they become emergencies.

Key Priorities

• Address future debt now. Like many cities, Monroe faces growing long term financial obligations. Annual debt payments are projected to increase in the coming years, and ignoring those realities only makes the challenge harder to manage. To prepare responsibly, I support policies such as:

• Setting a fixed percentage of annual revenue dedicated to debt repayment
• Requiring that when the overall city budget increases, a portion of that increase is applied toward reducing existing debt
• Directing unspent funds from completed or under budget projects toward debt repayment before allowing those funds to be used elsewhere

• Control spending and limit budget growth. Unless we face a true emergency, we should be cautious about how quickly the city budget grows from year to year. I support establishing a policy that limits annual spending increases so government growth remains responsible, predictable, and aligned with the city’s long term financial health.

Planning Today for a Stronger Tomorrow

Responsible tax policy is about discipline, foresight, and respect for the people who pay the bills. By planning ahead, controlling spending, and addressing long term obligations early, Monroe can remain financially strong without placing unnecessary burdens on families and businesses. Thoughtful budgeting today protects our community tomorrow and ensures Monroe remains a place where people can afford to live, work, and invest with confidence.

Defining Monroe’s Economic Future

Monroe has the opportunity to shape its own economic future. We do not need to chase trends or copy larger cities to succeed. Our strength comes from our people, our industries, and our ability to plan for growth in a way that fits our community. By focusing on workforce development, responsible planning, and the smart use of our existing assets, we can build an economy that works for Monroe and the people who call it home.

Key Priorities

• Develop a clear economic identity for Monroe.
Create a unified message that reflects our strengths, including manufacturing, logistics, workforce readiness, and quality of life. Whether it is “Monroe: The Industrial Engine of Union County” or another defining message, we need a consistent identity that resonates with businesses, workers, and investors alike.

• Create a coordinated marketing and recruitment strategy.
Work with local partners, regional economic organizations, and the Economic Development Advisory Board to develop a professional strategy that promotes Monroe to site selectors and employers. This includes clear messaging, digital outreach, and materials that highlight available sites, workforce assets, and infrastructure.

• Build on Monroe’s strong industrial and production base.
Monroe already has a well established manufacturing and production sector that provides stable, good paying jobs. Supporting and expanding these industries strengthens our local economy and keeps opportunity close to home.

• Strengthen workforce development through local partnerships.
South Piedmont Community College is a major asset to our community. By strengthening partnerships between the City, SPCC, and local employers, we can align training programs with real workforce needs. Community based training hubs, certifications, and apprenticeships can help residents gain skills that lead directly to stable, well paying careers while ensuring local businesses have access to a reliable workforce.

• Leverage Monroe’s strategic location.
With access to major highways and the Charlotte–Monroe Executive Airport, Monroe is well positioned for logistics, manufacturing, and business expansion. These advantages allow us to compete regionally while maintaining a lower cost of doing business than larger metro areas.

• Revitalize a key economic corridor.
Highway 74 has the potential to be a strong economic engine for Monroe. By focusing on reinvestment, smart incentives, and responsible planning, we can turn underused properties into productive spaces, strengthen existing businesses, and ensure this corridor supports long term economic stability rather than becoming a liability.

We Have the Tools to Succeed

Monroe already has the tools needed to move forward with confidence. We have a strong industrial base, a skilled and growing workforce, access to major transportation corridors, and a community college that prepares people for real jobs. We also have available sites, established businesses, and a community ready to grow together.

What matters now is using these tools intentionally and working together to tell Monroe’s story clearly and confidently. With thoughtful planning, strong partnerships, and steady leadership, we can build on what we already have and position Monroe for long term success.

Creating Opportunity Using the Tools We Have

A strong workforce builds a strong economy and we must create opportunities for our residents to have a path from education to employment.

Key Priorities

• Expand MonroeWorks.org to include more industries, career pathways, job training programs, and employer partnerships, making it easier for residents and businesses to connect.

• Create a City of Monroe Apprenticeship Program to develop internal talent and provide long term training opportunities in high demand fields such as the trades, technology, and public service.

• Pathways for students age 18 and older to earn certification hours toward trade licenses (electric, plumbing, HVAC, etc.)

• Partner with Monroe High School and South Piedmont Community College (SPCC) to build clear pipelines from classroom to career, including:

• City to host career fairs with employers in growing industries

• Job shadowing and internship opportunities with the City of Monroe

• Support GED completion and workforce re-entry programs by partnering with SPCC to host Adult Education and High School Equivalency (HSE) classes in Monroe community centers we can reduce barriers to access. These programs help adults earn diplomas or GEDs while building essential skills in reading, writing, math, and communication.

• Create Community Education Hubs through public–private partnerships, using City community centers as learning spaces where residents can:

• Access career counseling and job planning

• Complete online training for industry recognized certifications

• Attend skills workshops sponsored by local businesses

• Connect directly to employers through job placement opportunities and in-kind business support such as technology or training space

Why This Matters

Programs like SPCC’s Adult High School and High School Equivalency programs are proven tools for workforce readiness. By building strong pathways from education to employment, Monroe can expand opportunity, strengthen its workforce, and ensure long term economic success for individuals, families, and local businesses.

Stronger Neighborhoods Through Enforcing Standards

I believe every resident deserves to live in a safe, clean, and well maintained neighborhood. When basic rules are enforced, neighborhoods are stronger, safer, and more welcoming for everyone.

Issues like abandoned vehicles, neglected properties, and nuisance violations affect more than just one home. They impact property values, safety, and the overall sense of pride people feel in their neighborhood.

Key Priorities

• Enforce housing and property maintenance standards. Our residents deserve safe, well maintained homes and neighborhoods. Too often, rental properties fall into disrepair because some owners, especially absentee or out-of-state owners, fail to take responsibility. Enforcing existing standards helps protect tenants, neighbors, and property values while ensuring everyone plays by the same rules.

Strong neighborhoods are the foundation of a strong city. 

When standards are clear and fairly enforced, residents can take pride in where they live and feel confident investing in their homes and community. By addressing blight, abandoned properties, and unsafe conditions, we create a neighborhood that citizens can take pride in. 

A Strong Core Builds a Strong City

We have worked hard to create a thriving downtown. Monroe has a distinct downtown that is increasingly rare today. It should be vibrant, accessible, and welcoming for residents, visitors, and businesses alike.

Key Priorities

• Promote mixed use development while preserving historic character.
Encourage the adaptive reuse of existing buildings by supporting residential opportunities on second and third floors. This approach strengthens downtown character, supports local businesses, and adds economic vitality without compromising the historic fabric of our community.

• Expand the downtown footprint and improve walkability.
Explore grant opportunities to enhance pedestrian safety and connectivity, including additional marked crosswalks, improved sidewalks, and other walkability improvements that make downtown easier and safer to navigate for residents, visitors, and businesses.

• Launch a “Downtown Ready to Rent” Pilot Program.
Create a voluntary pilot program that allows property owners to have vacant commercial spaces pre-inspected for basic building and fire code compliance at a reduced cost. Spaces that meet requirements would receive a “Ready to Rent” designation, signaling to potential tenants that the property is safe, compliant, and ready for occupancy. This would help reduce startup delays for small businesses, increase confidence for entrepreneurs, and encourage faster activation of downtown storefronts. The program would also improve overall safety in our downtown, where buildings are close together and fire risk is higher.

• Use code enforcement to ensure vacant buildings are maintained and safe.
Consistent enforcement helps protect nearby businesses, preserve property values, and maintain a safe and welcoming downtown environment.

A Downtown That Reflects Who We Are

A downtown reflects the heart of a city. It’s where people gather, where small businesses grow, and where a community’s character is most visible. Monroe has the opportunity to continue growing in a way that strengthens that sense of place and supports a downtown that truly feels like a hometown. By investing thoughtfully and planning with purpose, we can build a downtown that works for residents, businesses, and future generations alike.

Preserving Our Past While Building Our Future

Our history district is one of the most cherished parts of Monroe. The homes, neighborhoods, and stories that shaped our community give us a sense of identity and place that cannot be recreated. We must be intentional about preserving our historic homes or will lose the hometown feel of Monroe.

Key Priorities

• Create a comprehensive inventory of historic homes. Using the authority and expertise of the Historic District Commission, the City should complete a full catalog of historic homes and contributing structures. 

•    This inventory would help identify historically significant properties and architectural styles

•   Support grant and tax credit applications

•   Provide clear guidance to homeowners about what makes their property historically significant

• Use a historic home inventory to identify at risk properties early.
A comprehensive inventory would allow the City to identify historic homes that may be at risk of deterioration and follow up with early code inspections. This proactive approach helps prevent loss of occupancy, supports homeowners before problems escalate, and protects historic structures before they fall into serious disrepair.

• Review and strengthen the Historic District provisions of the UDO.
Conduct a thoughtful review of the current Historic District standards to ensure they support proactive preservation, early intervention, and responsible reinvestment. This review would focus on improving clarity, supporting homeowners, and aligning preservation efforts with today’s needs while maintaining the character and integrity of Monroe’s historic neighborhoods.

A Historic District for the Future

Preserving our historic neighborhoods is not about freezing them in time. It is about protecting what makes them special while allowing them to thrive. Many prospective homeowners are hesitant to buy historic properties because they fear the complexity and red tape often associated with renovation. If we want these homes to remain lived in and cared for, we must make ownership feel achievable rather than intimidating.

By strengthening the role of the Historic District Commission and ensuring our ordinances support responsible preservation, we can encourage reinvestment instead of abandonment. When preservation works with homeowners rather than against them, Monroe can protect its history, strengthen its neighborhoods, and ensure these homes remain vibrant parts of our community for generations to come.

Monroe’s future will be shaped by steady leadership, disciplined planning, and a clear commitment to putting residents first.

We can grow without losing our identity. We can support business without sacrificing neighborhoods. And we can protect our quality of life by making smart, responsible decisions today.

This platform reflects my commitment to protecting Monroe, strengthening opportunity, and ensuring our city remains a place families are proud to call home, not just today, but for generations to come.