ISSUES
PUBLIC SAFETY
Keeping Surprise residents safe is my top priority. Every year since I was elected the City Council, I've voted to increase public safety funding. In the last 5 years, we have hired over 100 new police officers and firefighters, enhancing community protection and safety. Surprise consistently ranks among Arizona's safest cities, with SafeWise ranking us the #5 safest city in the entire state of Arizona this year, a testament to our commitment. We've also opened three new fire stations, significantly reducing response times and bolstering emergency services. Our brave police officers and firefighters risk their lives daily, and they deserve leaders who prioritize their resources. By continuing to provide state-of-the-art equipment and training, we empower our first responders to keep Surprise safe. I'm dedicated to sustaining these efforts, ensuring our community remains a secure place to live.
CUTTING TAXES
As a fiscal conservative, I'm committed to keeping your hard-earned money in your pocket. I led the charge and voted to cut property taxes two years in a row, securing the largest tax cut in Surprise history last year, to ease the burden on families facing rising costs. I was the only councilman to vote against last year's sales tax increase and utility fee hike, standing firm and keeping my promise to residents. In addition to this, I voted to cut even more fees this year, because you should not be charged for basic city services in addition to the taxes you already pay. Surprise also is one of only three cities in the valley that has no food tax. We've balanced the city budget every year I've served, and returned money to residents through tax cuts when we have budget surpluses, proving we can fund vital services like Police and Fire while cutting taxes, not raising them. My focus on fiscal responsibility prioritizes spending cuts over tax hikes, ensuring Surprise remains an affordable city.
TRANSPORTATION
Over the last 5 years, I’ve supported major improvements to Surprise's transportation infrastructure to ensure our roads are safe, efficient, and ready for growth. We've upgraded 14 major roads, including widening Greenway and Waddell to reduce congestion and enhance connectivity. These upgrades have also cut public safety response times, allowing our police and fire services to reach you faster. We've installed 10 new traffic lights and added blinking yellow left-turn signals at all intersections in Surprise, improving driver safety. Additionally, we've completed over 1,400 miles of current road improvements through pavement preservation to keep our streets in top condition. Key intersections, like Bell Road at Reems and Litchfield, have been streamlined for better safety and efficiency. Funded in part by general obligation bonds, these efforts show our commitment to a thriving Surprise. I'll keep pushing for smart transportation investments to support our community.
JOBS
Our residents deserve access to quality jobs and opportunities right here in Surprise. As your City Councilman, I've championed economic growth, and we've created over 5,400 jobs in five years. Small businesses are a priority-they're the backbone of our economy, creating local jobs and keeping revenue in our community. This year, I helped lead the charge and voted to cut the business license fee in half, reducing costs for business owners and spurring local entrepreneurship. By fostering a business-friendly environment, we've added 275 businesses in Surprise, a nearly $1 billion investment in our city, and ensuring residents can find high-paying careers without leaving Surprise. My focus remains on sustaining this momentum, supporting policies that draw innovative companies and empower small businesses to thrive. This strengthens our economy, allowing residents to work closer to home.
EDUCATION
As a former civics and government teacher, I taught the Constitution to high school students and first-time voters, instilling the value of active citizenship. This experience fuels my passion for education as the foundation of Surprise's future. On the City Council, I've prioritized our youth, knowing their success shapes our community. As Chair of the Education Subcommittee, we created a scholarship fund for Surprise students pursuing higher education. It's also important the the city works with local schools to keep students safe. This year, we strengthened school safety and added 15 new school resource police officers in Surprise schools, ensuring a secure learning environment. I'm committed to fostering public-private partnerships between schools and local businesses, creating internships and mentorships that empower students and boost our economy. We've also expanded family-friendly programs and youth activities, providing vibrant spaces for growth. My dedication to education ensures our students thrive, building a stronger, more engaged Surprise for generations to come.
CITY CENTER
From my first day in office, I've championed Surprise City Center to create a vibrant downtown that boosts small businesses and entertainment, supporting our spring training baseball and growing attendance at Surprise Stadium. The first phase is complete, with three buildings opened in summer 2025, and we have brought over 10 new restaurants to City Center including Mission BBQ, Cafe Zupas, Better Buzz, Jet's Pizza, and Osteria Mia. These additions give residents and visitors local spots to eat, shop, and gather, enhancing the Stadium experience and boosting Spring Training attendance by 15% last season. The City Center fuels small business growth, creating jobs and community pride. With plans for future phases, including medical facilities, housing, and an expanded Ottawa University, I'm committed to driving this vision forward, making the City Center the heart of Surprise, where families connect, businesses thrive, and our community shines.
