| I was born in this district - it's my home and where my wife and I are starting our family. I was elected to the City Council in 2016 after nearly a decade of helping to represent the north coast as Senior staff for Senator Mike McGuire and other legislators. I ran because, like many, I was struggling to live in the place that I loved. I wanted to help build a more livable community for my family and my neighbors.
Shortly after taking office, Santa Rosa was hit with one of the most devastating wildfires in California's history. The Tubbs fire took 3,000 homes and dozens of lives. And for me, public service became about moving barriers to getting people home and rebuilding our community. As a Councilmember and Mayor, I have led this community through four wildfires, a drought, flooding, and a pandemic. We showed resilience - and what decisive leadership can do during times of crisis.
During my tenure as Mayor, I accomplished what hadn't been achieved in nearly a decade- balancing the budget. I prioritized people by expanding access to affordable childcare and launching a groundbreaking first-time home-buyers program for low-income workers. I championed initiatives like free public transit for veterans, seniors, and youth while safeguarding the rights of seniors in mobile home parks. We created a "baby bonds" program - starting an education savings account for every low income baby born in our city, and switched all city buildings over to 100% renewable energy. |