“When it comes to knowing how to help manage a city, I’ve got experience to draw from and I’m ready to put in the work.”

I worked for The City of Fairhope for almost 17 years. During that time, I was responsible for communications, events, the senior center, the museum and took over the recreation department for the last several years of my employment. I was also the project manager for the Fairhoper’s Community Park rebuild and the Fairhope Soccer Complex.

Most recently, I was Director of Governmental Affairs and Economic Development for Riviera Utilities, trying to find ways to help government work for and with the people to help better their lives.

While working for the City, I also served on the leadership team during Hurricanes Ivan and Katrina. I coordinated services for our residents and utility crews, and helped to set-up a medical unit in the Fairhope Rec Center gym during Katrina.

I have also been involved with numerous community organizations including Arts and Crafts, FEEF, Baldwin Pops, Kiwanis, the FHS Booster Club, the Eastern Shore Chamber, the Eastern Shore MPO and many others.  So many organizations contribute to the quality of life in Fairhope, and I am proud to have served with them.

If I am elected, I will focus on infrastructure, growth, stabilizing the work force and parks and recreation. 

Infrastructure

Fairhope has to do a better job managing the utilities, ensuring routine maintenance is completed and hiring qualified staff. There are innovative ways to grow our utility infrastructure while protecting our environment. We need to find the right solutions for Fairhope while providing reliable utility service. Specifically, we have to ensure that the upgrades to water and sewer are completed in a timely manner. 

There is already a plan to upgrade the water and sewer and I want to ensure that happens. I would also like to see Fairhope begin to plan for an additional wastewater treatment facility. We need to build a treatment plant that is not so close to Mobile Bay. We also need to make sure that routine maintenance is being done on all lift stations, lines and all other components that keep our sewer system working properly. We also need to make sure we are smoke testing on a consistent basis and checking for infiltrations. 

The Gas Department was recently shut down by the Alabama Public Service Commission. They cannot install new services. The City also has miles of cast iron pipe that has to be replaced. There was a plan in place to replace a specific amount of cast iron pipe each year. 

The Electric Department is currently building another substation at Young and Nichols. We need to continue upgrading the electric system to match the unprecedented growth we have seen in the past several years. 

Growth

Growth is inevitable in Fairhope and Baldwin County, but should not impact our most valuable asset, which is our quality of life. I will ensure that our planning and zoning regulations are transparent and encourage community engagement. We must regularly evaluate the Comprehensive Plan and look for innovative solutions to keep up with the increasing rate of growth and pressures on our environment. 

Stable Workforce

Over the past several years, Fairhope has lost numerous employees and years of experience. The dedicated employees are the backbone of our community. The best ideas, and often the best solutions come from the employees. Fairhope leaders must create a fair, safe and supportive working environment with adequate pay and benefits to retain employees and attract new, qualified employees.

Parks and Recreation

Because of my background with the City, I know full well how important good parks and recreation services can be for our city.

With our beautiful Waterfront park, I think we should find ways to strengthen, preserve and enhance what is already there, and make sure we leave our bluff in its current natural state. I want to see the City engage more with our citizens to see what they truly want for that area, and to also make sure we’re preserving this iconic Fairhope place for many generations to come.

With the Triangle Property, I would like to see the City leave that area natural and untouched to development. There should also be recreational opportunities in that area that have minimal impact, like walking trails or a possible small botanical garden. I’d love to hear any of your ideas for this special place, too.

We also need to work to create a master plan for our recreation department, so that we can grow and improve our parks and recreation opportunities as our young families continue to grow.