About
On Family
Ronald Reagan once alluded to an America where a deep love and appreciation for our nation begins around the dinner table. Having grown up in a home that put that advice into practice, I still believe today that the family is at the core of building and maintaining strong communities.
Like Reagan, my parents have served as role models and heroes throughout my lifetime. Because of their example, I strive to do the same each day for my own family. My wife Jenny and I have been happily married for nearly nine years. In December of 2007 we gave birth to our first child, Charlie.
Beyond any elected office that I may hold, or any job that I may ever attain, lies my most important position in this world; that of husband and father. My most important seat will never be found in any elected chamber, but rather on a couch with my wife at my side and my son on my lap. Being a good spouse and a great Daddy will mean far more to me long after the votes have been cast and the results are tallied.
If elected as your County Commissioner, I pledge to uphold those values that are most beneficial to you and your family, and to never forget that the families of Mecklenburg County are far more important than any notoriety that may accompany holding an elected office.
On Faith
My faith is the foundation of who I am, and I believe that a reliance on God supercedes anything that I can ever do on my own. This faith accompanies me each and every day, and I would be helpless without it. My wife and I spent six years as teachers at one of Charlotte’s more recognizable Christian schools, we formerly taught Sunday School for children with special needs, served as the appointed youth leaders for nearly two years, and we continue to make our faith an integral part of our lives.
On Mecklenburg County
Ask yourself one question: Do you believe that Mecklenburg County is better off today than it was two years ago?
I grew up here. As a native of Mecklenburg County, I understand the many changes that we have experienced in recent decades. I understand our proud history dating back to the American Revolution, and I know that the spirit of Mecklenburg is alive and well in our citizens as much today as it has been for nearly 250 years. Yet, I believe that our current state demands a new brand of leadership so that we, as a county, can return to the prosperity that made us so strong for so many generations. We owe it to our ancestors, to our children, and the generations who will follow to ensure that the spirit of Mecklenburg continues to shine brightly in the midst of the tough challenges of these very trying times.
I’m asking for you to join me in doing just that.
On the Current State of Things
Times are tough. Just like many of you, my family has experienced some very big challenges during the past two years. My wife and I are both public school teachers. We have a two-year-old son, a mortgage, and know all too well the consequences that have reverberated during the economic crisis. We’ve had to make cutbacks to our budget and we’ve scrutinized how we spend each and every dollar. That is one reason why I feel so convinced that now is the time for me to toss my hat in the ring and attempt to provide new direction for Mecklenburg County. Our community doesn’t need politicians right now—it needs leaders. It needs leaders who know firsthand the consequences of the tough times in which we live. It needs leaders who truly care about building for our future. And lastly, It needs leaders who believe that as a community, our potential for prosperity and success is limitless if we commit to working hard to overcome the hurdles that we face today.
On Leadership
A true leader leads not only by example; he or she must also be willing to understand that looking out for the needs of those for whom he or she has been entrusted with leading is the top priority. I learned a great deal about leadership as a cadet while at The Citadel. Those lessons have been refined through life experience and taking hold of opportunities to provide leadership in multiple capacities.
Make no mistake, the burden of leadership is quite heavy. I understand that. Being a leader is not all pomp and circumstance. It’s much tougher than an elected seat, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, or a black tie gala. It’s about knowing the people you serve, and working hard to meet their needs and address their concerns, and to be held accountable to those who trusted you with their vote.
