Why are you running for this office?

I am running for office because I believe my experience as an attorney, business owner, and media developer, combined with my passion for uplifting our community, are valuable assets I can bring to serve the city. To address the systemic issues affecting our community, we must work to unite families, promote the value of education, and encourage active political engagement. I am confident that my unique skill set will contribute to smart governance and innovative approaches to communication and community involvement.

What is the top challenge facing Newport News, and how would you address it?

Our public schools urgently need a private funding strategy to address their financial challenges. If residents are opposed to tax increases, we must prioritize forming strategic corporate partnerships to fill the gaps. By studying states that have successfully implemented public private funding models, we can apply a similar approach here in Newport News. We have successful businesses in our city that could be eager to contribute to a well-structured plan aimed at elevating our local education system and workforce development. Additionally, we must be more vigilant in applying for grants and raising funds to support our schools. Together, we can create a stronger, more resilient educational foundation for our community.

What is your view on addressing the affordable housing crisis?

It is important to ensure that individuals and families, particularly those with low to moderate incomes, can access safe, decent, and stable housing without spending an excessive portion of their income on rent or mortgage payments. Homeownership is a crucial step toward building stability and wealth within our community. Many people, especially those on public assistance, may not realize that they can qualify for homeownership because they have a fixed income provided by the state. We need to do a better job of educating our residents on this opportunity. With the right guidance, resources, and support, we can help individuals and families move from renting to owning their own homes. This not only provides a sense of pride and security but also strengthens our community as a whole. It’s time to empower more of our citizens to achieve the dream of homeownership and enjoy the benefits that come with it.

What is your view on what the City should do with the Newport News Williamsburg Airport?

Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport, strategically located between Norfolk and Richmond airports, must carve out its niche within the Hampton Roads area. By offering affordable shuttle flights to key destinations like New York, Atlanta, and Charlotte, we can attract more passengers and increase usage. Strategic partnerships with major companies like Amazon and UPS can expand freight operations, utilizing the airport’s extensive land for warehouse facilities, driving significant revenue.

Should commercial services be suspended to save money?

I believe that suspending commercial services at Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport is not the solution. Instead, we must take bold, proactive steps to revitalize and make our airport viable. This means developing strategic partnerships, enhancing our flight offerings, and exploring new opportunities to drive passenger and cargo traffic. We need to leverage our unique position in the Hampton Roads area to attract airlines, businesses, and travelers. With the right leadership and a focused effort, we can transform our airport into a thriving gateway for commerce and travel, ensuring it remains a vital asset for our community.

Should the city use general fund revenues to subsidize the airport?

I believe in the potential to aggressively grow Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport, but this must not come at the expense of our taxpayers. The burden of inefficient management should not fall on our community. To truly make our airport a hub of opportunity and economic growth, we need leaders with sharp business acumen who can craft strategic plans and attract the partnerships we need. By bringing in experts who understand how to maximize resources and drive innovation, we can ensure the airport not only thrives but becomes a cornerstone of our region’s prosperity. It’s time to turn our airport into a model of success, without asking taxpayers to foot the bill for past mismanagement.

A commitment to transparency and ethical standards is essential in maintaining the trust of the community. As a candidate, I believe that public service is a sacred responsibility, and I am dedicated to making decisions that are in the best interest of the people, not influenced by private interests. Every contribution to my campaign is a vote of confidence in my leadership, and I pledge to honor that trust by upholding the highest ethical standards. It’s not just about raising funds—it’s about earning the faith of the community and ensuring that all decisions are made with integrity and fairness.

How will you still value constituents with whom you disagree with?

In public service, disagreements are inevitable, but they can lead to productive outcomes when approached with a willingness to find common ground. While many citizens are facing personal, financial, or health challenges, it’s essential to engage with them with maturity, patience, and compassion. These qualities help foster meaningful dialogue and make us better listeners, especially when we don’t see eye to eye. As a representative, my focus will be on understanding and addressing the needs of all constituents, even in the face of differing opinions.

Will you be accessible to journalist inquiries directly, or rely on the newly created City Council Press Secretary position?

I will be accessible to journalists.