What about you and your background makes you the best candidate for this office?

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For more than 14 years in the United States Air Force and 21 years as a government IT systems programmer and Union Steward for the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), I served in positions where the decisions I made affected not only employees and service members, but also their families. These experiences taught me the importance of carefully evaluating the impact of every decision and considering both the immediate and long-term consequences.

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Throughout my career, I have worked with people from diverse backgrounds, listened to their concerns, and advocated for fair and practical solutions. I believe effective leadership begins with listening, understanding the challenges people face, and considering how policies and decisions will affect their daily lives.

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My approach to public service is rooted in common sense, accountability, and a commitment to finding solutions that benefit the greatest number of people while respecting individual needs and concerns. Before making any decision, I carefully weigh the potential benefits and challenges, consider the long-term effects on our communities, and strive to act in the best interests of the citizens of West Virginia.

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My goal is to bring thoughtful, experienced, and practical leadership to the House of Delegates—leadership focused on strengthening families, supporting economic opportunity, improving public services, and helping ensure a brighter future for the next generation of West Virginians.

 

What are the top three statewide issues you see for West Virginians at this time?

 

Work to ensure that healthcare remains affordable and accessible for all West Virginians. Quality healthcare is not a partisan issue—it is a basic need for individuals and families. I will support practical solutions that improve access to care, strengthen local healthcare services, and help keep costs affordable for patients and taxpayers.

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Support public schools that provide a quality education for every student while respecting the rights, values, and beliefs of all families. Our schools should focus on academic achievement, preparing students for future success, and fostering an environment where all students are treated fairly and with respect.

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Honor our commitment to veterans by protecting the healthcare, services, and benefits they have earned through their sacrifice and service. We should work together across party lines to ensure veterans have access to quality healthcare, employment opportunities, housing resources, and the support they need to thrive after military service.

What are the top three issues you see for constituents residing within the district you are seeking to represent? 

 

While speaking with constituents throughout the district, I make it a point to ask what "kitchen table" issues they would like me to take to Charleston if elected. After having many conversations with residents, several concerns continue to be raised.

One of the most common issues is the high cost of utility bills and the financial burden they place on families, especially those living on fixed incomes. Many constituents have also expressed concerns about the expansion of data centers in West Virginia and the potential impact these facilities could have on energy demand and residential utility rates.

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Another issue frequently discussed is the Hope Scholarship program. Many residents believe that public education should remain a priority and are concerned that funding for the Hope Scholarship may reduce resources available to public schools. Constituents want to ensure that all students receive a quality education while maintaining strong support for the public school system.

These conversations are important because they help me understand the challenges families face every day and ensure that the issues I advocate for in Charleston reflect the priorities of the people I serve.

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What is your position on data centers being built in our state? 

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The West Virginia Legislature debated, voted on, and enacted the laws governing data center development through the legislative process. If elected, I have a responsibility to uphold and follow the laws that have been passed while also addressing areas that may need improvement.

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I support the jobs and economic opportunities that data centers can bring to our communities. These investments have the potential to create employment opportunities, encourage new housing development, increase local tax revenues, and provide additional funding for our schools and public services.

As a Delegate, I would work to address concerns raised by local residents by proposing amendments to the law that strengthen local oversight. Specifically, I would support requiring compliance with county and municipal zoning ordinances, building permit requirements, inspections, code enforcement standards, and local licensing requirements. This approach would allow communities to benefit from economic growth while ensuring that local governments retain a voice in how development occurs within their jurisdictions.

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How do you intend to better serve the education system for children in our state if elected?

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 I support public education because I believe every child deserves access to a quality education, regardless of where they live in West Virginia. Strong public schools are essential to preparing our students for future success and strengthening our communities.

As a Delegate, I will work to review and improve the public-school aid formula so that it more accurately reflects the realities facing our school systems today. This includes considering current educational needs, rising transportation expenses, increasing maintenance and facility costs, competitive teacher salaries, and changes in student enrollment across the state.

My goal is to ensure that school funding is distributed fairly and responsibly so that all students have access to the resources, opportunities, and support they need to succeed.
 

What is your vision to increase family incomes and opportunity, raise the quality of life, and to make Wood County an area that families want to call home? 

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 I support increasing the minimum wage to a livable wage; however, I believe it should be implemented gradually over several years rather than through a single large increase. A phased approach would allow workers to see meaningful wage growth while giving businesses time to adjust and continue providing jobs. I also believe future increases should be tied to the cost-of-living index and include a defined percentage-based adjustment to ensure wages remain fair, sustainable, and responsive to economic conditions.

At the same time, I would work to keep local property taxes stable while supporting economic development and maintaining the funding necessary for essential municipal services. By encouraging responsible growth, attracting new businesses, and expanding the local tax base, we can strengthen our communities without placing an undue burden on homeowners and taxpayers.

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