My commitment to public service began in high school with Key Club International in 1997, where I learned the value of putting service above self. As a retired U.S. Navy Master Chief with a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice, I have dedicated my two-decade career to executive leadership—managing multi-million-dollar budgets, overseeing conflict resolution, and advocating for all under my leadership.
Since retiring, my wife Natalie and I, along with our four children, have remained actively involved in our community through organizations such as the Murray Lions Club, the United Way, Salvation Army Bell Ringing, and the Murray High Leo Club. In 2022, while serving as the Murray State University Veterans Director, my team and I envisioned, planned, and opened, in less than one year, an on-campus student lounge for all Veterans and military students. I am pleased to share that this space now serves hundreds of Veterans each year.
One of my primary goals for Murray is to enhance safety for pedestrians and cyclists around the university campus and throughout the city by establishing dedicated bike lanes. To initiate this effort, I propose hosting an open forum to gather community feedback, assembling a planning committee, and presenting a formal proposal to the city council. I would also like to explore ways to involve local small businesses in the process.
During my first term, public safety will be my top priority, but economic development must also meet the demand of our growing community. A multi-purpose sports complex will not be built overnight, but we can start the planning. This would keep local sports tournaments in Murray, supporting our youth while generating valuable economic investment for local restaurants, hotels, and small businesses.
Our downtown is a vital part of our city. While our downtown non-profit works tirelessly to host community events, support local businesses, and manage an expanding farmers market, they are severely constrained by a restricted annual budget. I support a funding increase to continue historic preservation and invest in current and prospective local businesses.
It is a privilege to serve, I am ready to serve the City of Murray. As a new candidate, I bring fresh ideas, accessibility, forward-thinking planning, and a commitment to ensuring all residents are heard. Let’s work together to improve Murray, while we enjoy it. I’m #2 on the ballot for Murray City Council!
In your opinion, who is the most underserved population in Murray? How would you use your position on the city council to address their needs?
Our community currently lacks sufficient activities for youth. While our Parks Department staff do an excellent job maximizing limited resources, our parks remain underfunded and require greater support to serve current and future generations.
To address this, city, county, and university leadership could collaborate to establish a work-study initiative. This program would focus on identifying vacant buildings to repurpose for local startups, reducing initial overhead costs while creating engaging spaces and activities for our youth. All of our children deserve well-supported and safe community spaces.
How would you make yourself accessible to constituents outside your existing personal and professional circles, and how would you ensure their concerns are heard?
I’m available, approachable, and engaged in the community. I enjoy a variety of community events. If you know me, I like starting up a conversation with a stranger and making a new friend. I will maintain a social media presence, so if you message, I’ll reply back. I don’t have all the answers, but you have my word that I’ll research it and get back with you. Hearing directly from you, the community, is vital to ensure Murray continues to improve. Coffee with Council? Maybe we host you over a cup of coffee to talk while supporting a local business.
When residents have strongly opposing views on an issue before the council, how would you approach making a decision?
As elected officials, your duty is to listen to the people and consider both sides of an issue—including concerns regarding quality of life, safety, and community impact—before making a decision.
For major decisions, such as data centers, flock cameras, equal opportunity, establishing city bike lanes, a community open forum should be held to hear directly from residents. Furthermore, a 7-business-day notice should be required to ensure residents have adequate time to arrange to attend. Open forums allow our community to come together to resolve issues and share our collective talents to improve Murray.
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