My decision to run for Town Council — and now for Mayor — has always been rooted in one simple principle: as a resident of Oro Valley, you deserve representation that answers to you, and only you.
Twelve years ago, my legal background with knowledge in land use planning and zoning led me to join Oro Valley’s Planning and Zoning Commission. I wanted to use my legal training to help ensure thoughtful growth and responsible planning, as well as to serve our community.
What I saw during those years concerned me deeply.
Why I First Chose to Serve
Time after time, I sat through meetings where rooms were filled with Oro Valley residents voicing serious concerns about large-scale development intensifications, annexations, and major General Plan amendments.
You came prepared. You spoke thoughtfully and passionately about protecting neighborhoods, preserving views, maintaining open space, and the quality of life we enjoy in our Town.
Too often, your voices were ignored.
Despite your overwhelming concern, these projects frequently moved forward with minimal meaningful changes.
At first, I struggled to understand why elected officials would so often disregard the residents they were elected to represent.
The answer became clear: many had accepted tens of thousands of dollars in campaign contributions from developers and development interests who had millions at stake in zoning decisions.
That realization was a major reason I decided to run for Town Council. I felt that someone had to represent you, the resident of Oro Valley; therefore, I stepped up to fulfil that responsibility and have done so for the past eight years.
Why Independence Matters
Of course, development itself is not inherently bad. Thoughtful, well-planned development can strengthen a community, improve services, and contribute to long-term economic vitality. However, decisions about Oro Valley’s future must always be made with one priority in mind: what is best for you, the residents of Oro Valley. That requires independence. It requires an elected official who can evaluate every proposal objectively, at arm’s length, without financial influence clouding his or her judgment. That is why I have never accepted campaign donations from developers or real estate groups. I believe you deserve to know that when I evaluate a development application, zoning request, or land use decision, my only obligation is to you, the people I represent.
A Record of Standing Up for You
My legal background gives me a disciplined, analytical approach to evaluating development proposals. I carefully review every application, ask hard questions, and insist on meaningful protections for residents, open space, traffic mitigation, and more. When appropriate, I have worked to modify development proposals to secure stronger protections for residents. And when a project could not be brought into alignment with Oro Valley’s long-term interests, I have not hesitated to oppose it. That is what representation requires—a disciplined approach that always puts you, the residents of Oro Valley first.
I Represent You
I have always been clear for whom I work. I represent the residents of Oro Valley—not developers, not special interests, and not outside stakeholders seeking to profit from decisions made by the Council. Every vote I cast is guided by my responsibility to you.
As Mayor, I will continue to bring that same resident-focused, independent judgment, and unwavering commitment to protecting Oro Valley’s future. It matters to whom your elected leaders answer. And for me, that responsibility has always been — and always will be — to you.
