Questions & Answers

What do you believe are the township's needs?

My main objective is to stay within the Township budget, to offer relief from the ever increasing property taxes. There may be wants of a new building or new equipment, as examples. Similar to running our own households, our Council's job is to determine if something is a need right now or can it be put off for a certain amount of time, so as to stay within our budget.

You mention a traditional conservative, fiscally responsible approach. Typically conservatives are known for cutting public services. Is that something you are considering?

Cutting public services is not my goal. I am not aware of all services currently funded by our tax dollars. My goal is to work with my fellow council members to be sure we are focused on supplying the services that fall under the specific duties of the Municipality.

How do you plan to manage inflation with a 0% property tax increase? Where will the money come from for the rising cost of services and maintenance?

I would like to assure you that I did my homework in this area, before offering it. I, along with financial educated friends, have reviewed Zorra's 2025 audited financial reports and strongly believe there is the option to maintain our services without increasing property taxes. The trend of spending in the past few years is unsustainable and is causing many families to struggle. We must do better, by sharpening our pencils to stay within our Township's budget.

What is your plan for retaining municipal staff if there is a 0% wage increase for the next four years?

This question really opened my eyes! In my hope to show my commitment to lead by example and not take an increase of wage, I am now thinking it was presumptuous of me to think everyone else at the Township would be willing to do the same. Thank you for bringing that to my attention! I can only speak for myself and my commitment of how I plan to serve our residents. If, after discussions with Councilors and Staff, they choose to share the same commitment to the financial future of Zorra residents, we will all know that we are united, as a Township, to work together for a stronger future.

You mention supporting the nuclear family unit. What does this look like in practice, and what policies will you put in place?

My goal stems from seeing and hearing the struggles of our six grown sons, who are starting their own families, as well as numerous other young families I've talked with. I have noticed over the past three+ decades a negative trend of not supporting men with a voice and a means to support their family.

Many people are wondering why there is a lack of father involvement in their children's lives. I would like to see our community support our local businesses, therefore keeping them growing strong, allowing them the ability to hire. Hopefully they hire local men/fathers, so they can work close to home and be home for their wife and children. This is a beginning to building stronger families, plus stronger and safer communities again, as I remember growing up in.