We are off and running in 2023 and I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of District 4 and Sedgwick County. As I wrap up my first official month on the job, I want to provide a quick rundown of the things I intend to focus on throughout this term as your Commissioner.
My goal is to contend for the health of our community. On many levels, it’s painfully obvious that we have significant challenges facing Sedgwick County and a return to health is going to take a collaborative, wide-scale effort. When I talk about contending for the health of our community, I focus the conversation on four specific areas:
Local Government
The core functions of Sedgwick County government are centered around public works, public health and public safety. County government and our 46 departments are shaped to operate differently than municipal and city governments. As we move into 2024 budget planning, I’m determined to center the conversations around the efficiency and stability of these core functions of our local government so that we can serve our people with effective services.
Economic Growth
We are in a pivotal season in our community. As inflation soars and the needs of our people continue to grow, we will soon be faced with difficult decisions on how we best perform county operations in the near future – Tax increases, service cuts or economic growth. As an entrepreneur and small business owner, I know the importance of a growing, healthy economy. I believe we can grow ourselves out of some of the major problems plaguing our community without levying a heavier tax burden through increased property taxes and fees. As a County Commissioner, I will promote regional competitiveness, responsible taxation, industry diversification and a thriving startup culture. A healthy economy directly influences the quality of life and opportunity for all people in a community, and I hope to demonstrate the acumen to help lead us into a new generation of growth in Sedgwick County.
Mental Health
People are hurting in our community. We are experiencing a mental health and substance abuse crisis unlike anything we have ever dealt with in Sedgwick County. I am determined to collaborate with a broad array of resources and relationships that can deliver much-needed reform to our approach. My approach prioritizes better collaboration with community partners, strategic initiatives in our downtown core, and a more clearly communicated approach that engages the broad base of support that will be needed to combat a very complex situation.
Relational Health
One of the driving factors that moved me into this role is the declining and toxic relationships on display in the political arena. It’s not reflective of the broader community; we can and should expect better. As a County Commissioner, I am prepared to lead with integrity, promote collaboration and advocate as a voice of hope for our citizens that have lost confidence in the decency and effectiveness of our local government.
As I speak at events and talk to people in our community, I get incredible feedback and encouragement around our message of advocacy for a healthier community. As I conclude the first month on the job, I grow more hopeful by the day that we are moving in the right direction in this community.
Leadership matters – and I will do my best in representing District 4 and to move our community forward to a healthier future.
