A Benton County for the Future.

Rich opportunities are ahead for Benton County as the world comes to our doorstep. We must be ready to face the challenges growth can bring while maximizing opportunity for you, your family, and neighbors who call our county home. When I think of our future, I get excited about:

• Developing best-in-state infrastructure, roads and bridges that will be easier to maintain

• Applying limited public funds transparently, when and where they count most

• Starting urgent projects now, before they cost taxpayers 2x or 3x

• Coordinating with new businesses and initiatives to help enterprises and entrepreneurs thrive.

We can keep our small town charm while doing much better than small town planning. Benton County should be the best place in the state to start a business, build a career, make a family, or retire in peace.

You will always spend your money better than the government. You can also meet the needs of your neighbors and community faster, and more efficiently. I want your money in your hands so that you can afford to stay, live, and build the community Benton County needs, meaning:

• Asking for the “why” behind every county budget line item

• Lowering taxes wherever possible without damaging county programs

• Prioritizing programs and services that empower citizens or meet needs they cannot by themselves

Your government exists to work for your good and opportunity. Nothing more, nothing less.

Few like being told what to do with what they own. I believe that citizens should be able to use their land and resources how they choose, as long as public safety, public good, and order are not disturbed. Expect me to reduce the burden of regulations by:

• Streamlining county ordinances and planning permissions where possible

• Prioritizing digital or automated county services and codes to reduce the regulation burden on citizens

• Emphasizing personal data privacy, accuracy, and integrity in all county functions

• Empowering citizens to protect themselves and their data

The less government needs to be involved in your life, the better for your prosperity.

Public Safety is not abstract to me. I know what it is like to grow up vulnerable, to have shots fired at officers I love, and to see dear friends end up behind bars. No side of safety is easy, and county leaders must work to help citizens avoid incarceration while also delivering justice clearly, swiftly, and without compromise. Expect me to:

• Fund our Sherrif’s office, officers, and jail services to suit our exploding population

• Empower the officers who maintain our safety

• Fiscally support our judges and prosecutors to lead excellent operations, programs, and services

• Advocate for strong emergency management services

A strong county empowers its people to live freely and without fear of daily life.

Political offices can be filled with back-scratching, “what’s in it for me” pragmatism, and empty performances. I hold my convictions clearly so that you know exactly what to expect. Whether you agree with all my decisions or not, you can trust how I reach them. Because my convictions are well founded, I will not lose time on critical decisions asking what is most comfortable, profitable, or convenient. I will ask:

• What is the right thing to do for you, my neighbor?

• What is the best decision we can make as legislators with the limited resources available to us?

• What would make me proud to hand this county to my children and grandchildren?

• What will help you tell anyone that Benton County is the best place to live in the USA?

• What honors the God in heaven who will judge me when I die?

No political double talk. No “finger in the wind” decisions to sound nice. No time for nonsense. We have too much to do.