I’m running for Grass Valley City Council because I believe our community can do better—and because I’m ready to help make it happen.

Grass Valley is a special place. My grandparents lived here here. My mother lives here. My children grew up here. I first moved to the area 40 years ago, and I’ve spent much of my life working with young people, people struggling with addiction, and members of our community who simply need someone willing to listen and help.

Today, I’m concerned about the direction Grass Valley is heading.

Our young people deserve more opportunities. They need activities, structure, mentorship and a reason to believe there is a future for them here. At the same time, many young adults cannot afford to live in the community because there aren’t enough good-paying jobs. I’ve seen what happens when young people lack opportunity and support, and I believe we have a responsibility to do more.

I’m also concerned about public safety. Fire danger is a serious issue in a community surrounded by vegetation, and many seniors who own their homes simply cannot afford to remove dead trees and overgrowth. We need to find practical ways to help them protect their homes and neighborhoods and use what resources we have more efficiently.

Our homeless and addiction problems are equally serious. For a city our size, the number of people struggling on our streets is significant. Mental health challenges are often part of the problem, and there are organizations and individuals already doing meaningful work to address it. I’ve talked with people leading these efforts, and I believe the city can do a better job connecting people with the resources that already exist.

Too often, people encounter so much red tape that they become overwhelmed and give up. We should be making it easier—not harder—for people who are ready to turn their lives around.

I know that because I’ve done it myself.

When I first came to this area, I was addicted to methamphetamine. After my last arrest, my life changed. Jesus found me, and I chose a different path. I received a governor’s pardon. I have now been clean and sober for 32 years.

I went from one side of the street to the other, eventually working in law enforcement and having the keys to the jail and courthouse, doing treatment and investigations for superior court. I used my experience to help clean up the community and, especially, to work with young people in custody.

I understood those kids because I had been where they were. Some were dealing with circumstances they never chose—family turmoil, addiction and difficult environments. But I also taught them something important: their circumstances did not have to determine their future. They could take responsibility for their decisions, make better choices and choose a new path.

That experience has shaped the way I see Grass Valley today. I believe people can change, and I believe we can support solutions that actually help people become productive members of society.

But compassion and accountability must go together.

We also need to be responsible with the money residents entrust to the city. I’m concerned when spending commitments appear to outpace projected revenue. Before taking on new projects, we should make sure we are maintaining what we already have. Our roads need attention. Our sewer and other infrastructure must keep pace with development. Existing parks and projects should be completed before we continually add new ones.

And sometimes good government means taking care of the basics.

Weeds growing through downtown sidewalks, neglected properties and vacant lots, and deteriorating infrastructure may seem like small issues, but they affect how residents feel about their community and how visitors see Grass Valley. We should celebrate our history, including the legacy of the narrow-gauge railroad, and make sure our downtown reflects the character that makes this community unique.

We also need to think seriously about our seniors. Many have spent decades building their lives here, only to find housing and property taxes increasingly difficult to afford. We should not turn our backs on the people who helped build this community.

I’m not running to advance someone else’s agenda. I’m running because I believe Grass Valley needs a council member who will listen, ask hard questions, stand up for what is right and make decisions based on what is best for the community.

I’m strong-minded and independent. I have convictions, but I also understand that leadership means listening. I don’t believe in special favors or outside agendas. My agenda is simple: a safer, cleaner, more affordable and more vibrant Grass Valley.

Most importantly, I work for you. I will be your voice.

I know where I’ve come from, I know what it took to get here, and I know what this community is capable of becoming.

I’m asking for your vote because I believe Grass Valley deserves a better future—and I’m ready to work for it.