ISSUES
It’s time for leadership that works for ALL of us.
Strong Infrastructure to Keep Growing, Responsibly
Benton County is one of the fastest growing areas in the nation. I want Benton County to be able to grow responsibly. That’s why I’ll invest in the strong infrastructure we need today and for the future. Our lifelong residents, as well as incoming citizens deserve access to consistent and reliable utilities and services, safe and well maintained roadways, and a commitment to building infrastructure integrated with the natural beauty our state is known for.
Too many members of the current Quorum Court have kicked the can down the road when it comes to building our infrastructure. We need better planning and stronger partnerships with other government groups to scale up these projects quickly and effectively.
If elected, I’ll work with local municipalities and surrounding counties to create a clear, connected plan to improve infrastructure while protecting the natural beauty that brings so many admirers year after year.
Justice reform focused on stabilizing our local community, not enforcing federal issues
Keeping our communities safe is one of the most important roles of a local government. The things that lead to petty criminal activity and related misdemeanor offenses – housing instability, food insecurity, unemployment, transportation issues, mental health struggles and substance abuse – are issues that affect many folks across our community. Our current Quorum Court believes the only solution is to build a 286 bed misdemeanor expansion to our jail that voters twice refused to fund, which will drain at least $20 million of our county’s reserves and cost millions of our tax dollars every single year to operate, all without addressing the root causes that lands people in jail in the first place.
I believe in solving the problem, not pouring money into punishment. Based on estimates from Arkansas Justice Reform Coalition, approximately $500,000 a year in pre-trial services could keep 200+ people with low level offenses out of our jail, helping these neighbors get stabilized so they can be vital, contributing members to our community and the local economy. This is both fiscally responsible and community minded, the types of policies that keep Benton County thriving.
In addition, our county participates in an enhanced form of federal immigration enforcement known as 287(g) JEM. This program has our county officers doing the job of the federal government and takes their attention away from local matters where they belong. Hard-working immigrants who contribute to our communities are unfairly and overly targeted which has eroded public trust in our county and local law enforcement. The immigrant community has asked our Quorum Court to step down to the state mandated 287(g) WSO model, but they have been consistently ignored and pushed aside.
If elected, I will listen to people from ALL parts of our community. I support an end to participation in the 287(g) JEM program, with step down to the state mandated WSO model that is less invasive and a step towards rebuilding trust between law enforcement and the community.
Let’s choose smart, compassionate, and efficient solutions that keep each and every one of us safe.
An Easy and Affordable Quality of Life
I’ll fight to make sure our government works for everyday people, not just wealthy corporations.
The current Quorum Court has prioritized corporate-owned real estate over fairly priced housing for working and middle-class families and individuals who work in the services that support our community. This failed status quo has pushed working people to the edges of our city, setting them up for long commutes, and we have a transit system that is simply incapable of meeting the needs of our growing community under the current conditions.
When I am elected, I will fight to ensure we are prioritizing good affordable housing and strong, reliable public transportation. With the right representation in place, our people-first government can make life more affordable and livable in Benton County.
Departing from past failures, we can focus on affordable multi-family units over only single family dwellings and luxury apartment complexes. This plan will efficiently allow us to rapidly and robustly increase our community’s access to affordable and well-maintained homes.
I’ll work with the current bus system (ORT) to build transportation that works for everyone.
With your support, I’ll help make Benton County a place where life feels easier, not harder.
Neighbors care about each other, and I will lead a county administration that advocates for those who need mental health support, people experiencing homelessness, and the most vulnerable in our community, like our seniors.