Q&A: Meet the candidates running for Roanoke City Council Ward 1

Why are you running for office?

While living in Roanoke, I’ve served our community through Roanoke Citizen Police Academy, Citizens on Patrol and the Parks and Recreation Board while staying engaged in council meetings and local issues. Now, with the time and experience to fully commit, I’m ready to serve Roanoke with dedication, focus and accountability.

What are the biggest challenges facing the city?

One of Roanoke’s biggest challenges is preserving our hometown character while responsibly supporting economic growth. We must help existing businesses thrive, attract new ones that complement our community and create an environment that encourages visitors to return, shop locally and invest in Roanoke’s future.

How do you plan to address these issues?

I plan to work collaboratively with current council members, residents and business owners to support smart downtown density, attract complementary businesses and expand family friendly entertainment and retail. Building on the progress already underway, we can strengthen our local economy while preserving the character that makes Roanoke special.

What would your top priorities be if you are elected?

My top priority is ensuring the voices of Roanoke residents are heard and represented. I will work closely with citizens and local businesses to thoughtfully fill vacant downtown spaces and strengthen our community. Accessibility matters to me; I openly share my personal phone number and email to stay connected.

Why are you running for office?

I'm running because Roanoke deserves real, honest, local leadership that puts our hometown first. I love our unique character and community spirit and I'II fight to protect it while guiding smart growth that benefits every resident, not outside interests. Your voice matters most to me.

What are the biggest challenges facing the city?

Rapid growth continues to strain traffic, parking and infrastructure, even as projects like SH 114 near completion. Balancing expansion with our small-town feel, ensuring adequate downtown parking and neighborhood vitality, and planning responsibly for the future without losing what makes Roanoke special are our top challenges.

How do you plan to address these issues?

With real, honest, local solutions including prioritizing resident input for transparent decisions, supporting timely infrastructure like road expansions and parking fixes, pushing smart budgeting to maintain our unique identity and advocating for policies that ease traffic while investing in neighborhoods and keeping Roanoke's charm intact for generations.

What would your top priorities be if you are elected?

Why are you running for office?

I believe it is the responsibility of every citizen to contribute to the community. I have chosen to fulfill this duty by representing my neighborhood and advocating for the interests of residents. My professional background and experience within the city position me to support its ongoing growth.

What are the biggest challenges facing the city?

Preserving our small-town values is vital. We must prioritize family-friendly growth, carefully manage multi-family development and promote local businesses, ensuring responsible progress that protects our community’s traditions, strengthens neighborhoods and honors the beliefs and needs of families and residents.

How do you plan to address these issues?

I am committed to supporting family-friendly growth by attracting unique small businesses, upholding high standards for development and preserving our community’s values. By enhancing programs like the facade grant and collaborating with economic development, I aim for responsible progress that strengthens neighborhoods and builds Roanoke’s unique dining claim.

What would your top priorities be if you are elected?

My top priorities include growing our economy by attracting more retail and restaurants, addressing infrastructure needs throughout every neighborhood, like Country Acres, and promoting responsible, sustainable development. I am committed to supporting current businesses and residents and ensuring our police and fire departments continue to recruit and retain outstanding professionals.

Why are you running for office?

My family has lived in Roanoke for 15 years and we love this community. I’m running to help<br>protect what makes Roanoke special while supporting responsible growth. As a business owner<br>and planning and zoning vice chairman, I want to help ensure Roanoke continues to thrive.

What are the biggest challenges facing the city?

Roanoke’s continued economic growth is critical for our residents and local businesses. The city<br>must balance smart development, infrastructure needs and support for business growth while<br>preserving the unique character that makes Roanoke a destination for families and visitors.<br>

How do you plan to address these issues?

As a business owner who has built advertising agencies that help companies grow, I understand what businesses need to succeed. I will support policies that encourage economic growth, attract visitors, strengthen local businesses and ensure development decisions benefit the entire Roanoke community.