Frequently Asked Questions

I’m unaffiliated with any political party. My focus is on Linn Valley — not partisan politics. I believe local government should be about practical solutions, respectful collaboration, and doing what’s best for our community — not national agendas.

With only one person currently running and two open council seats, we need more citizens to step up and help us right the ship. If anyone is interested in running — or has even briefly considered it — I encourage you to go for it. Our community works best when more voices are involved, and this is a real opportunity to bring fresh ideas, new energy, and stronger representation to Linn Valley. We all benefit when thoughtful, committed people step forward to serve.

This is a common concern, and I understand the frustration. Property owners who don’t live here full-time still pay dues and taxes, yet Kansas law restricts municipal voting rights to full-time residents. While I can’t change state law, I can commit to making sure part-time residents are informed, heard, and included in conversations and decisions that affect them.

The mayor’s role is more about influence than authority. Throughout my career, I’ve had to lead and influence from positions where I didn’t have the final say — but I’ve learned that building trust, listening first, and focusing on shared goals go a long way. I believe in bringing people together to find solutions that work — maybe not perfectly for everyone, but well enough to move us forward.

I’ve spent much of my career stepping into leadership roles where I had to quickly absorb years of institutional history. I do that by talking to people — asking questions, listening carefully, and getting context from as many sources as possible. I’ve even reached out to former employees in past roles to understand what current teams couldn’t always explain. I’m committed to doing that same kind of deep listening here.

I know there are strong opinions both for and against a new city hall. Personally, I don’t believe we should jump into another major capital project right now, especially with other large projects already in motion. That said, I’m open to ideas — and I want to hear from the community about how we might address any space or maintenance challenges the current facility presents. Could we explore a shared facility with the POA to save costs for both entities? If we do proceed in the future, I believe we must focus on actual needs, and build smartly, not extravagantly.

The community passed a 1% sales tax to fund it, and I support that decision. Public safety is fundamental, and our first responders deserve the tools they need to protect lives and property. I fully support our fire department and those who serve our city.

This is a critical project, and although there’s been concern about cost, the need for clean, safe, and sustainable water is undeniable. The existing treatment plant had reached the end of its useful life, and this replacement is necessary. I support moving forward while working to ensure accountability, communication, and long-term value for our residents.

The lack of grant funding is disappointing, but understandable given the income data distortion caused by the nearby power plant. I appreciate the current leadership’s explanation about the difficulty in qualifying. But going forward, I’d like to explore ways to mitigate that effect so we’re not at such a disadvantage in pursuing grants. If elected, I’ll work with the council and residents to identify opportunities to reduce the financial burden on taxpayers, whether through partnerships, advocacy, or cost-saving strategies.