These aren't vague promises—they're specific, actionable commitments based on decades of experience managing complex projects and budgets.
The Problem: The Flock Security surveillance contract was signed without City Council knowledge or public input. This represents a fundamental failure of oversight that erodes public trust.
My Solution:
Why This Matters: Transparency isn't optional—it's the foundation of accountable government. Residents have a right to know what's being purchased with their tax dollars before contracts are signed.
The Problem: Too many government projects experience cost overruns and mission creep because there's no structured review process requiring projects to hit milestones before receiving additional funding.
My Solution:
Why This Matters: In biotech, stage-gating has saved millions by catching problems early. The same principles work for city projects—checkpoints ensure accountability and prevent runaway costs.
The Problem: Cities sometimes chase flashy projects while neglecting essential infrastructure—roads, water systems, and public safety.
My Solution:
Why This Matters: You can't build a house starting with the roof. Essential infrastructure must come first. Everything else is secondary.
The Problem: Iowa faces significant water quality challenges from agricultural runoff, nitrate contamination, and aging infrastructure.
My Solution:
Why This Matters: As an analytical chemist, I understand water chemistry and testing protocols. This technical expertise allows me to ask informed questions and evaluate proposed solutions critically.
The Problem: The Flock Security contract sends $36,000 annually to a Silicon Valley corporation. Multiply this across all city contracts, and significant tax dollars flow out of our community.
My Solution:
Why This Matters: Every dollar that stays local multiplies through our economy. Every dollar sent to Silicon Valley is gone forever. Good fiscal policy considers the broader economic impact of procurement decisions.
Each of these priorities reflects a simple principle: government should be run with the same rigor and accountability as any well-managed organization. That means asking hard questions, demanding evidence, and putting taxpayer interests first.
I'm not promising miracles. I'm promising to do the basic work of governance that should already be happening: reading contracts before they're signed, tracking project costs, prioritizing essential services, and maintaining transparency.