Frequently Asked Questions

Hickory is full of good people doing good work. It embraced my family when we moved here ten years ago. Then, during Hurricane Helene this past year, we saw firsthand how this city comes together not just for its own, but for others in need. Sharing that sense of purpose with this community is why we’re proud to call Hickory home.

I sometimes joke with other folks who’ve moved to Hickory that lifelong residents don’t always realize just how great this city is. That’s an exaggeration, of course (this is also a place with lots of pride!) but it’s true that my family and I have found so much to appreciate in the decade since we moved here. Hickory offers many of the amenities of a world-class city in a community-sized package.

Rather than listing all that here, I’ll just share a link to a document I keep and periodically update to share with newcomers to Hickory. If you spot something missing that should be included, let me know—I’d love to add it! 

In times of change, strong communities matter.

National shifts in the economy, politics, and public trust are hitting close to home. In response, we must build resilience locally. If elected, I will work to ensure the people of Hickory can afford to live with dignity and are able to connect and engage with one another so we can face challenges together.

To invest in stronger communities and build local resilience, I will work to 1) promote creative solutions for safe, affordable housing, 2) expand economic opportunity for our residents and small businesses, and 3) empower the people of Hickory to learn more about how decisions are made in our local government and how residents can become more civically and civilly engaged. 

You can learn more about my plan for a more resilient Hickory here.

I’m politically independent and have never been a registered member of any party. You won’t find me parroting the talking points of either Republicans or Democrats.

Over the course of my 22 years as a voter, I’ve followed the issues. Especially at the local level, I believe that values, facts, and community priorities matter far more than party loyalty.

Hickory’s municipal elections are non-partisan. This means that we have the opportunity to focus on what we need as a city rather than getting sidetracked by the divide between left and right. We are neighbors, not opponents.

I regularly attend city council meetings and have deep respect for the experienced leadership already in place. Today, the average council member has served for more than 12 years, bringing a level of knowledge and continuity that’s a real asset to our city. I’m not running to oppose that leadership—I’m running to contribute to it. My goal is to build on past successes and help move Hickory forward. As our city enters a new phase of growth, adding a fresh perspective to this strong foundation is both timely and necessary.

A good example is the council’s recent decision to dissolve the Hickory Housing Authority and transfer its responsibilities to the more effective Western Piedmont Council of Governments. It was a bold, pragmatic move in the best interest of the city. I’m eager to build on that kind of momentum by working collaboratively to address urgent housing challenges and ensuring that safe, affordable housing remains a top priority.

I walked away from social media 5 or 6 years ago (except for a much neglected LinkedIn account) and am a happier human as a result. That doesn't mean I don't want to talk. Drop me a line.

In addition, a generous member of my family is running a Newton for Hickory Facebook page on my behalf, so you can also reach me there.