1. What is it that you love about Ann Arbor?
Ann Arbor is my favorite place. I love the quirky, oftentimes whimsical, and deeply connected community that is Ann Arbor. We are a city that cares deeply about ideas, about people, and about the future we’re building together. It’s a place where neighbors show up for one another and where the public institutions provide real service. I love the creativity, curiosity, and sense of possibility that runs through this community.
2. What are the three most pressing problems that you care most about fixing?
The issues I hear about most from residents are housing affordability, climate resilience, and making sure the city government works to effectively promote our values. Too many people who work in Ann Arbor can’t afford to live here, and that threatens the diversity and vibrancy that makes this city special. City leaders need to meet the moment and work to address affordability in our community through the development of new housing, increased focus on public transportation, and partnership with state leaders to reduce barriers to protections for renters. At the same time, we need to keep making real progress on our climate goals. The climate crisis is here, and has been here for years. Ann Arbor is a leader on implementing climate resiliency strategies, but we can do more. Infrastructure projects need to be climate resilient, housing needs must also be met with storm and flood resistant infrastructure, and with renewable energy options being taken into account. Finally, in this moment when the federal government has moved towards facism, and when Ann Arbor is clear that we will stand behind our values of acceptance, diversity, progress, and civility, we must govern effectively while ensuring our local government remains transparent and proactive in taking steps to combat this very real threat..
3. How would you go about fixing those problems?
First, we need to increase the supply of housing while protecting affordability. That means implementing the Comprehensive Land Use Plan thoughtfully, encouraging a wider range of housing types across the city. This also includes continuing to support AATA as they expand service lines and investing in Vision Zero so more people can live and work in Ann Arbor without relying on cars. We also need to continue working with state leaders to reduce barriers to renter protections and make sure development includes real affordability.
On climate, Ann Arbor has already set ambitious goals through the A2Zero plan. Now the work is about implementation. I will support the launch of the Sustainable Energy Utility, which will help residents and businesses install rooftop solar, battery storage, and energy-efficient electrification technologies. At the same time, we must ensure city infrastructure projects are climate-resilient and designed to withstand increasing storm and flooding risks.
On leading with our values, I would support policies that strengthen local civil rights protections, ensure city services are accessible regardless of background or immigration status, and support community organizations that help residents navigate moments of uncertainty. City leadership must also prioritize transparency and proactive communication so residents trust that their local government is working to protect their dignity and rights.
Across all of these issues, my approach is to listen carefully, build coalitions, and move practical, results-oriented solutions forward so the policies we adopt actually improve people’s lives.
4. Let’s say that your solution meets resistance or some part of your plan doesn’t work. What do you do next?
Good policymaking is iterative. If a solution meets resistance or doesn’t work as expected, the responsible thing to do is listen, evaluate what went wrong, and adjust course. With significant experience in government, I have come to understand that policies will not always be favored by all community members. That said, we can make voices heard and bring more seats to the table to help craft policy which has buy-in from different community groups. Progress rarely happens in a straight line, and strong leadership means staying focused on the goal while being flexible about the path.
5. The way that we do politics in this country has been changing rapidly via Barack Obama, Donald Trump, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Marjorie Taylor-Greene, Abigail Spanberger, Mikie Sherrill, and Zohran Mamdani. What are your thoughts on this decade + evolution in how we do politics in this country, and how has it changed the way that you approach running for office and delivering for the people?
Politics has become louder, faster, and often more polarized over the past decade. My approach is the opposite: listen more than I talk, stay grounded in facts and community input, and focus on solving problems rather than winning arguments. Local government works best when leaders prioritize collaboration and practical results.
6. You are one of three candidates running for this seat. How do you think that the voters of Ward 3 should think about the difference between you and your opponents?
I’ve spent more than a decade working inside government and community organizations, so I understand how policy moves from ideas to real results. With a working-class background, I understand the struggle to make ends meet, especially with our increasing cost of living. As someone who is still paying student loans, I understand the value of education and the opportunity it can provide. I am lucky enough to have made Ann Arbor my home, and I uniquely understand the privilege of living in this community and why people would be attracted to it. But I also understand how to address concerns, and have the most hands-on experience of all the candidates for Ward 3 when it comes to navigating complex government systems to get things done. Voters deserve someone who can listen deeply, build consensus, and deliver tangible progress for Ward 3.
7. The nation is at an extremely low ebb in democratic participation, trust in institutions, and feeling truly connected to a community. I want to give you the chance to make your case to AA Observer readers that you really care about them, and that you are the right person, with the right talents and strategy, to make meaningful changes that will improve their economic lot in life, safeguard the rule of law, make sure that they won’t be left behind, and that you can ensure their inclusion and dignity in Treetown.
Public service has always been the center of my career. From my first internships, working in the Obama White House on domestic policy, to my service in federal and county government, I have spent my professional life working to make our leaders more responsive, our systems more equitable, and our government more effective for the people it serves. I’m running because I believe Ann Arbor can continue to be a city where everyone has the opportunity to belong and thrive, and am the only candidate with a track record of making this happen.
8. Zingerman’s, Ahmos, No Thai, Fleetwood, or Le Dog. Where would you rather go to lunch?
Depends on the day! For the past three and a half years, I have worked in Downtown Ann Arbor at the corner of Main and Catherine and these restaurants are in my usual rotation. On busy days, I choose the delicious but efficient No Thai. On rainy days, I choose the comfort of warm soup from Le Dog. On days where I’m really hungry, I get a regular #27 with an old pickle from Zingerman’s. When I need something on the healthy side, I go with Ahmo’s. On a night out on the town, I go with Fleetwood!