My experience and connections. 21-year resident, where my wife and I raised our three daughters and three dogs. I began volunteering almost immediately after moving to our community, serving on our neighborhood HOA board, and the City’s Parks & Recreation Committee, and the Planning Commission. I graduated from the first Victoria Citizens Academy, which deepened my understanding of city operations. As vice-chair and commissioner-at-large on the Parks & Recreation Committee, and in my roles on the Planning Commission, I’ve engaged with various community topics, from parks programs to infrastructure; from stormwater pond maintenance, to trails and everything in between. I've advised the city council on zoning, ordinances, and regulations.
1. Listen to our residents and business owners. Without them we do not have a community. 2. Infrastructure: Driving, drinking and flushing without top end solutions for these three the "sprinkles on the cupcake" mean very little. This includes Highway 5 Improvements project and the new fire station. Collaborating with partners to find alternative funding to reduce costs, and provide regular updates.
3. Smart Growth: thoughtful expansion of residential and commercial opportunities.
Social media and the city website are a great way to share information but doesn’t always promote two-way engagement. We need to seek more opportunities to engage community members before decisions are made and make it easier for people to know what’s happening to provide feedback and input. My phone always works, my email addresses are always monitored and face-to-face meetings are always an opportunity.
I think the city is as transparent. Accountability builds trust continuing with a fair process, advocate for citizens' needs and wants, retrospective discussions to assure accurate outcomes. Eliciting community participation through digital, legal and media is important as is using social media we can do better with it perhaps providing more two-way communication.
I believe we are always learning and growing. I certainly have learned a lot in my 4 years on council. My background in education and coaching and profession working in the Risk Management department of law firm has given me a unique ability to understand complex issues.
As a current councilmember, I work hard to earn your trust and respect. I listen and do my best to respond and share where I stand on issues and why. We’ve attracted new businesses, including Kwik Trip, which will start building in late 2025. We’ve also enhanced public safety, increased community events like winter lighting, and invested in road improvements to boost safety and reduce congestion. I’ll keep listening and working for all Victoria residents.
1. Fiscal Responsibility. Highway 5 and a new firestation are crucial investments. We must keep operating costs low thru efficiency, innovation and smart use of resources.
2. Smart Growth. I want Victoria to keep its small-town charm. I will listen to residents needs and advocate for development that aligns with our priorities.
3. Community Space. I hear we need more places to gather, like destination parks or more indoor space. I support ideas like public/private partnerships to achieve this.
We are never going to make everyone happy. It’s just the way things are now. What is important is we listen to all sides and think about different perspectives to make sure they know they are heard. I will always make myself available to those who want to discuss an issue. We must also make Victoria more affordable to people in any stage of life. The first-time home buyer, the first-year schoolteacher, our police officers, the person waiting on us at our favorite restaurant and our seniors.
Transparency builds trust. Regular communication through various channels is essential. However, there is always room for improvement. We lost our local newspapers and many people don’t follow social media or use/have the internet. I will explore different ways to reach those not online. I pride myself on replying as much as I can to every email or call, I receive. We may not always agree, but they can count on me to listen and return their email or call, so they know where I stand on the issue.
I'm currently on the Victoria Parks & Rec committee. My love for the community of Victoria shines through every day as I talk with my fellow community members & neighbors about what they would like the vision for Victoria to be! I am 100% the voice of the Victoria community!
1. Downtown Parking 2. Hwy 5 project 3. Community Amenities 4. Growth
First, we need to question and understand the cost of the Hwy 5 project. Can the city maintain their current assets? Are we spending all our money on Hwy 5 versus the residents current investments? E.g. (Rec Center). I will find out and be transparent with the community! Working together with the downtown businesses we will finally solve the parking issues by putting a vision together that would include a parking structure!
I’m going to “keep it Victoria” with our charm and beauty but add some more fun for our community to enjoy with their Family,friends and neighbors! My goal is to not rely on the surrounding communities for their rec centers and outdoor family skating rinks and fields. we shouldn't have to leave Victoria to feel like we're a part of another community. Let's bring community to Victoria and that's the “Wright vision for Victoria!”
More face-to-face community involvement is a great place to start. I want feedback from the members of our amazing community along with the different departments of our local government. it's a very important time for Victoria. Together as a community we need to hold officials accountable and making sure we continue to keep Victoria the "Queen" of carver county!
