Please share your thoughts on private property rights, and the issue of government regulation of the right to own, transfer, rent, and use private property.

I support an individual that owns property to do as they choose with their property as long as any proposed land use complies with the zoning designation for the property. Any structure built should also comply with all building codes and should not negatively impact the health, safety and welfare of potential tenants or surrounding landowners. The City needs the right tools to ensure that all residents are protected, while the development community should have a clear and transparent understanding of what is and what is not allowed on a piece of property. 

Increased economic instability and health concerns due to COVID-19 means more stress on local budgets and resources. How would you address prioritizing and funding the needs in your municipality in light of these new challenges?

As Mayor, I would work closely with the City Council to adjust budgets and prioritize projects while putting the health and safety of our citizens and employees at the center of every decision we make. If there are projects that can be put on hold to benefit essential services such as police, fire, or the utilities then those should be considered. 

What is your position on future development within your area, and your opinion of a master plan/smart growth? 

Growth is inevitable in Fairhope 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 our comprehensive plan and look for innovative solutions to keep up with the increasing rate of growth and pressures on our environment.

The quaint and artistic charm of Fairhope is important to both locals and tourists, how do you envision managing that expectation coupled with continued growth?

Fairhope must continue to evaluate and evolve regarding its regulatory and visionary framework to keep up with the increased rate of growth and pressures on our environmental surroundings. Through smart growth and healthy community planning practices, the City of Fairhope will continue to maintain the character that keeps existing residents' quality of life unmatched and provides a welcoming community to those that visit or will join us in the future. 

In what ways do you see the Eastern Shore municipalities working together to address common issues such as, but not limited to, infrastructure, resiliency of our business community and the preservation of Mobile Bay?

The Eastern Shore municipalities already work together on transportation issues and other regional issues through the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce and the Eastern Shore Metropolitan Planning Organization. We all exist within the Mobile Bay watershed and we must work together with organizations like Mobile NEP and Mobile Bay Keepers to protect Mobile Bay. We also have to present a united front with elected officials at the State and Federal level to address issues on the Eastern Shore.

Do you see a need to support workforce development in our secondary and postsecondary institutions in order to fill the need for a qualified and diverse workforce? How do you see your city supporting these efforts? 

I think it is important for elected officials to know the needs of the businesses in our communities as they relate to workforce development and to work with secondary and post-secondary institutions to ensure that we can meet those needs. We must also create partnerships with economic developers and local chambers of commerce so we have a workforce to meet their needs.

Fairhope currently invests in the BCEDA, the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce, and Hatch and I would continue those relationships.