One key issue I’m particularly passionate about is restoring trust in our local government. Over the past year, I’ve seen public trust erode, and rebuilding that trust is no small task. From my experience serving on the school board, I’ve learned how difficult it is to regain trust once it’s been lost, and how easily it can be broken. My goal is to bring civil discourse back into our decision-making process, ensuring that we work together respectfully and transparently.

Transparency in government is not just a talking point; it’s a fundamental responsibility that leaders must take seriously. During my time on the Board of Education, I saw firsthand how quickly public trust can erode when transparency is lacking. When I joined the Board in 2014, it was clear that we needed to do a better job of engaging the community and being open about the decisions that impacted them. It took a commitment to publish documents, record and host videos of meetings, maintain thorough minutes, and encourage public participation in major decisions. This wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. By being transparent, we rebuilt trust and restored confidence in the Board’s ability to act in the best interest of our schools and our children.

I bring that same commitment to transparency to my candidacy for Commissioner. When the public is left in the dark, or decisions are made without their input, it creates frustration and disconnects residents from the issues that affect their daily lives. Recent concerns over changes to parking regulations, the Bancroft redevelopment, and other significant projects have highlighted the need for better communication and involvement from the community.

As Commissioner, I will ensure that the public is informed and involved and can hold their leaders accountable. This means making sure decisions are explained clearly, providing opportunities for public input, and being open about the reasoning behind major choices. Transparency isn’t just about providing information—it’s about building trust. I am committed to ensuring that Haddonfield’s government works for its people, not behind closed doors.