To have a healthy, thriving community, economic development is essential for our well-being and quality of life. As an entrepreneur, I understand that strategic planning and proactive steps are necessary to ensure long-term success in our community. As the Commissioner of District 3, I will collaborate to create environments that facilitate business growth and actively engage partners to invest in DeKalb County District 3. I will support funding and strategic development projects and programs that can jumpstart revitalization and economic development. This includes ensuring effective planning, sustainability, ease of permitting, and enhancements to our infrastructure, all of which will create a blueprint for success.

Code compliance goes hand in hand with our public safety. The inspection and enforcement of residential and commercial properties are vital for a thriving and safe community. District 3 has an influx of vacant houses and buildings that bring unwanted and unproductive attention, creating hazardous environments. These conditions foster squatters, illegal drug use, and trafficking. As your Commissioner, I will work closely with our DeKalb County police and code enforcement teams to clean up these properties and hold owners accountable. I will support the necessary staffing to get this job done efficiently. I will listen to neighbors who know where the problems are and protect those brave enough to seek change.

There is a high demand for affordable housing in DeKalb County District 3. We have a limited number of privately owned homes, allowing investors to drive up prices. This makes it difficult for minimum wage workers to afford a two-bedroom apartment without it being a financial burden, often requiring them to spend more than half their income on rent. As the Commissioner for District 3, I will focus on homeownership as a pathway to building wealth. I will work to increase both rental and single-family housing options. I understand the importance of programs that help residents in our community gain homeownership. I personally used a government NSP program to obtain my first home while serving as a firefighter. I will support funding for programs like NSP and HOPE, and partner with organizations that can educate the community about these opportunities. My focus will be on improving our community through privately owned homes and properties, creating a lasting impact throughout District 3.

A thriving community requires a solid infrastructure. This includes roads, water, sewage, and transportation—essential components that form the heartbeat of our quality of life. As Commissioner of District 3, I will ensure our community receives the necessary funding and attention for our infrastructure needs. DeKalb County District 3 needs a leader who will not back down until the work is done. I look forward to collaborating with the CEO and other partners to develop and implement actionable solutions we can see and experience.

An urgent issue in District 3 is public safety. As a former DeKalb Firefighter/EMT, I have seen firsthand the struggles our public safety officers face, and I understand the issues within our community. As your Commissioner for District 3, my goal will be to collaborate with local leaders, churches, and organizations to build a bridge between DeKalb County public safety and the community it serves. I will work to develop programs that support our youth and protect our seniors. I will advocate for pay raises, the expansion of community patrols, and undercover operations to combat crime, including the implementation of video surveillance. I am determined to address both the problems and their root causes, working together to build a safer District 3.