Issues

I am always available to set up time to talk about the various issues impacting Erie. Please see the Contact page.

Workforce Housing

Call it what you will, workforce housing, income appropriate housing, or affordable housing, having a place where people who work in Erie should be able to afford to live here. There are several reasons why this is important for the Town:

First Responders: If there is an emergency, requiring extra first responders take the time to commute (which will be longer than normal) risks personal well-being and property damage
Teachers: Would you prefer your teachers spend their time commuting or being with your kiddos?
Business Wait Time and Service Quality: Service staff have options as to where they work. Would you rather work locally or have to commute? This impacts the number and quality of staff local businesses can hire. Both fewer staff and higher wages impact our businesses and the service they can provide.
Taxes: Studies have shown that having mixed-use housing (and businesses) increases overall tax revenue and decreases average per-unit taxes. Refer to the Land Use Fiscal Analysis dated August 2024 which was developed as part of the Erie Comprehensive Plan update.

Flag Policy

In my mind, the Town Council made a big mistake when revising the town Flag Policy to severely restrict the use of flags in the Town. We need a policy that lets us fly flags that are authorized through a Federal, State, or Erie proclamation.

Mixed-Use Zoning and Development

As a member and current Vice-Chair of the Erie Planning Commission I have learned how important mixed-use zoning and development are to our community. I will continue to be a champion of having area where there are a variety of housing options and people can walk or bike to stores and restaurants, and ideally to work.

Mineral Rights

While some on the current Town Council say there are issues they cannot talk about that justify Erie selling or leasing the Town-owned mineral rights, until this information is made public I have seen nothing to justify our giving up our rights. Forced pooling is one area where I feel the Town needs to maintain control. The Draco Pad is a huge risk to Erie and if we can delay things by using our mineral rights we should do that.

Business Development

Erie is a great place for doing business, and we have a strong Economic Development program. If elected, I will work with staff and We Love Erie Business Collective (formerly the Erie Economic Development Council) to promote new businesses. This is part of the creation of mixed-use communities.

Growth

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Erie was the third fastest-growing town (as opposed to city) in the United States between July 1, 2023 and July 1, 2024:

This is incredible growth, and must be managed. The updated Comprehensive Plan does a good job of planning for future growth while realizing that a significant portion of future development has already been authorized.

Budget Transparency

The Town of Erie has a very complex budget – the 2016 budget document is 719 pages long! How many residents of Erie understand where our money is going? There are 10 current priorities for the Town:

Safe, Efficient, & Reliable Transportation
Managed Growth that Respects Community Character
Sustainable & Affordable Water
Diverse & Attainable Housing Options
A Strong & Balanced Local Economy
Safe & Prepared Community
Protecting Health & Environment
Preservation of Open Space
Expanded Recreation & Community Amenities
Connected & Accessible Mobility

While I agree with these priorities, I do not feel that the current Town Council has actually implemented policies that reflect them. I pledge to work with Town Residents to help you understand the budget and align your priorities with the budget and associated policy.

Follow us: