Transparency!           More than just attendance! It's Engagement! 

Transparency isn’t just about amending Council rules or indexing meeting videos—it’s about being present and available.

Before and during my time on Council, I made myself available to the people I served. I attended community meetings beyond just those related to Council business. I answered emails and phone calls from residents in my ward—and from others across the city—because I understand that a decision made for one ward can impact all wards.

Through Facebook, I was able to share information and gather feedback almost immediately. Public events were another vital way to connect. Whether it was enjoying a strawberry treat at the Strawberry Festival, listening to live music at the Rhythm and Rib Fest, or shop-hopping and taking a sleigh ride during the Old Fashion Christmas event, I took every opportunity to talk with and hear directly from the people I represented.

I also began holding monthly ward meetings, before being sworn in, which later evolved into quarterly gatherings featuring different department heads—such as Fire/EMS and the Police Department. These smaller, less formal settings gave residents the chance to ask questions directly to city leaders.

It’s not always the formal Council meetings that shape what we do. By creating these more personal and casual meetings, we provided a space where people who might normally feel like “just a number” could feel more engaged, recognized, and heard.

To me, there’s no better way to practice transparency than being out in the community, face-to-face, with the people you serve.

Transparency isn’t just about open records—it’s about open doors, open ears, and open conversations.