My first campaign was based on transparency and accountability, a commitment that continues in all my work for the people I serve. To me, patriotism is rooted in service, and my goal is to put people first, standing up for safety, affordability, and participation for the people of my district.

Government works best when those involved keep as their focus one question: How does this help my constituents? The people I serve, the folks I meet on the doorstep or at town halls, are the ones I think about when weighing in on important decisions. I represent all the people in my district and sometimes that means setting aside my individual interests to speak up and speak out on the issues that impact the lives of those people. Governing is about building consensus and empowering people to make choices to shape their lives. I want voters to see in me a leader who listens first and then speaks up for them in rooms they don't have access to.

Speaking up means, among other things, asking hard questions about the Micron project, and investigating water quality concerns my constituents brought to me about Onondaga Lake. It also means seeking input for priorities along the new 1-81 corridor, supporting funding for arts and culture, and promoting small business. It’s about making sure the issues you share with me as I go door-to-door or meet you in the town halls, office hours, and other events, are brought to the table and heard in the right places, and celebrating the things that make Onondaga County and our 4th district communities so special. At the end of the day, my top priority is making sure that this government watches out for the interests of the people we’ve been elected to serve.

I invite you to learn more about my efforts so far as your County Legislator, and to share your thoughts on how to build a vibrant future for Onondaga County, by visiting my monthly office hours.