Priorities

·         Efficient and accountable County Government

I’m the kind of person who loves to study budgets.   I’ve managed budgets from small to millions of dollars.   I believe in reviewing them line by line, looking for overlap, inefficiencies, and alternative ways to do things.  For example, I believe we need to look into centralized general and vehicle purchasing, better utilization of employees by cross training and job sharing, planning more carefully for capital expenditures, saving towards major infrastructure and buildings, and increasing our reserves for emergencies.  I also believe we need to make the budget and County information more accessible to local citizens, thus increasing government accountability and citizen input.

·         Livable communities with high quality of life and strong human services

·         Protecting our natural heritage, our environment, our rural landscape, and our family farm culture

I’m passionate about conservation and wise land use.  Our Land Use Plan, Sensitive Areas Ordinance, and Unified Development Plan are what set us apart as a county committed to responsible growth.  While these documents should be revisited regularly, they are important guidelines that allow us to grow and develop in responsible and sustainable methods.  In everything we do, we must plan our growth in a way that limits urban sprawl; doesn’t negatively impact our agricultural lands and our rural culture; and protects our environment. 

·         Honoring our diverse population with a progressive and visionary County Government