Serving as City Council President has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I’m running for re-election because the progress we’ve made together is creating lasting change, and there’s still important work ahead. Since 2020, I’ve focused on strengthening Northport’s finances, upgrading infrastructure, supporting public safety, and enhancing our sense of community. With the support of my colleagues, our city staff, and our residents, we’ve made record capital investments, paid off interfund loans, increased reserves, and earned a rare AA+ bond rating.

But the real impact goes beyond the numbers. When we invest in our city employees, we see better outcomes across the board. Their dedication, pride, and hard work are behind every improvement we’ve made, from enhancing our facilities and parks to modernizing city services.

Whether it’s expanding senior programs through Focus 50+, creating safe, engaging places for our children like River Run Park and Nick’s Kids Playground, or preserving community landmarks like the Northport Community Center, I’ve led with the goal of strengthening every part of our city. My deep roots in District 1 and lifelong connection to Northport fuel my commitment to serve, to listen, and to lead with care and heart. I’m seeking re-election to keep that momentum going and continue building a city we’re all proud to call home.

Northport is on solid ground thanks to collaborative, strategic leadership by the Mayor, Council, City Administrator Glenda Webb, Deputy City Administrator Tera Tubbs, and an exceptional team of department heads and employees.

Financially, we’ve made tremendous progress:

• Secured two bond rating upgrades to AA+, one of the highest possible.

• Increased General Fund reserves to $6.7M and Water/Sewer reserves to $1.7M, well above statutory requirements.

• Paid off $825,000 in previously interfund loans.

• Brought in over $4 million in grant funding and leveraged more than $56 million in federal infrastructure funding.

• Grew our General Fund from $35.2M in FY21 to $48M in FY25, while maintaining a balanced budget.

Employee support and operations:

• Implemented annual pay increases, including a 6% COLA in FY25, and enhanced employee step movement.

• Maintained a grandfathered, self-insured health plan with no premium increases to staff.

• Reduced Workers' Compensation premiums by nearly 40% due to better training and safer operations.

• Achieved full staffing in public safety for the first time in years.

Public infrastructure and services:

• Capital projects including:

  • $8.7M for Main Avenue improvements

  • $20M+ for River Run Park

  • $7.3M for 5th Street improvements

  • Facility upgrades at City Hall, Civitan Park, and the Public Works building

  • Downtown Public Wifi

  • Shirley Place Improvements

  • Storm Sewer Rehab

  • $1.6M+ City Wide Resurfacing (ongoing with master plan implemented to continue with each budget year to consistently keep paving going after the worst roads are all repaired)

  • Paving / Chip and Seal for Dirt Roads

  • Façade Improvement Grant Program

• Enhanced cyber and physical security, including improved cybersecurity assessments.

• Updated the City’s Comprehensive Plan, adopted a new Zoning Ordinance, and will soon adopt new Subdivision Regulations.

• Invested in recreational spaces, including parks, playgrounds, fitness courts, and the River Run Park sports complex.

What should we build upon?
We must continue:

• Investing in capital improvements and infrastructure resilience.

• Growing responsibly through economic development and public-private partnerships.

• Paving and resurfacing projects per the master plan

• Enhancing communication and community pride.

• With transformative projects like River Run Park underway, Northport is positioned to become a regional destination for tourism, recreation, and innovation.

As the current District 1 representative and City Council President, I bring the experience, dedication, and proven results needed to keep Northport moving forward.

Born and raised here, I understand the unique needs of our neighborhoods and families. I’ve led efforts to improve city infrastructure, from paving and drainage to water and sewer upgrades, and supported major investments in parks, community centers, and historic preservation.

I currently chair the Finance and Retail Development Committees and co-chair the Administration and Community Outreach Committees. I also represent Northport on the Special Tax Board. Under my leadership, the Council has:

• Passed meaningful budget growth

• Implemented a strategic capital funding plan using budget surpluses

• Repaid interfund debt to protect taxpayers

• Supported targeted economic development through Northport First initiatives

I’ve championed projects that reflect a balance between growth and preservation, like the restoration of the Northport Community Center, school grants that added sensory rooms for children, and expanded senior programming through Focus 50+.

From launching events that foster community unity to leading multi-million-dollar infrastructure projects, I remain focused on service, stewardship, and smart growth. I am grateful for the leadership our team has collectively provided over this term and for the opportunities it has provided our beautiful city. And pray that the citizens of District 1 will consider re-electing me to continue delivering real results and shaping an even brighter future for Northport!