Why You Should Participate in the Discussion About Pleasant Hill.

I decided to get involved and run for City Council because Pleasant Hill is home. I grew up here. I am raising my family here. Like many of you, I care deeply about this town, its people, and the small-town way of life that makes Pleasant Hill special.

For a long time, I believed what many people believe. That city government would take care of itself. That someone else would step up. That I was too busy with work, family, and day-to-day life to get involved. But over time, I came to realize something important. When we choose not to engage, we are still making a choice.

When community members do not participate, do not ask questions, and do not share their thoughts, they are, by default, giving approval to whatever decisions are made. Silence becomes agreement. And when that happens, voices go unheard, concerns go unaddressed, and opportunities are missed.

Local government matters more than many people realize. Decisions made at City Hall affect our roads, public safety, taxes, parks, and city services. These choices shape the community our kids will grow up in and the town we will live in for decades to come.

My background is in building and running businesses. Over my career, I have helped start, grow, and manage companies. Today, I lead a manufacturing business with more than 150 employees. That experience has taught me the value of careful planning, strong financial discipline, and accountability. You cannot grow a business, support employees, or plan for the future without being responsible with money.

That same mindset applies to city government. Financial stewardship matters. Every dollar the city spends comes from taxpayers. Those dollars should be handled with care, transparency, and respect. Strong financial oversight helps ensure our city departments have the resources they need while protecting the interests of residents.

I have tremendous respect for our municipal employees and city leadership. With the resources they have been given, they have done an outstanding job improving Pleasant Hill. From well-maintained streets to beautiful parks and upgraded sports fields, their hard work is visible across our community. Recent capital projects have strengthened our city, and the plans taking shape for 2026 are exciting and full of promise. These improvements do not happen by accident. They are the result of dedicated public servants who care deeply about this town.

Supporting city employees means more than words. It means giving them clear direction, responsible budgets, and leadership that values their work. When we support the people who serve Pleasant Hill every day, the entire community benefits.

I am not running to change Pleasant Hill into something it is not. I love this town for what it is. The small-town feel. The pride people take in their homes. The sense of community and connection. Those things matter, and they are worth protecting.

At the same time, we must prepare for the future. Growth, infrastructure, public safety, and long-term planning all require thoughtful leadership. We need to make decisions today that allow Pleasant Hill to remain strong and stable tomorrow.

I also believe it is important for younger generations to step forward. The decisions made now will shape Pleasant Hill for the next 30 to 40 years. Those of us raising families here have a responsibility to be part of that conversation, not sit on the sidelines.

This campaign is not just about me. It is about encouraging more people to engage. To ask questions. To attend meetings. To share ideas. When residents participate, local government is stronger, more accountable, and more representative of the community it serves.

Whether you agree with me or not, your voice matters. But it can only be heard if you choose to use it.

Pleasant Hill is our home. Its future belongs to all of us. I invite you to join the conversation.