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Candidate for Dayton City Commission
Where are you from? If Dayton, be neighborhood-specific.
I am from Dayton; I grew up in Belmont. My wife, daughter and I live in the home we purchased in the Dayton View Triangle neighborhood when we were married 20 years ago. So, I've had the pleasure of experiencing Dayton on both sides of the river,
What is your educational and professional background?
I attended Belmont and Residence Park Elementary Schools, Dunbar HS and graduated from Belmont HS ('84). I have a BA in Psychology from the University of Cincinnati, an MDiv from United Theological Seminary, and attended the Joint Doctoral Program at the University of Denver and Iliff School of Theology studying religion and personality. I've been in ministry for 32 years, serving area churches including Grace United Methodist Church. I was Executive Director of Greater Dayton Christian Connections, Lead Organizer for Vote Dayton/Lift Greater Dayton, and an administrator and adjunct faculty for United Theological Seminary. After 10 years as on-call chaplain and 3 years as chaplain intern, five years ago I became the Manager of Chaplain Services at Dayton Children's Hospital.
Have you held any other political offices? If so, what positions?
I was elected a Dayton City Commissioner in 2018. Prior to my election, I was appointed a Commissioner on the Greater Dayton Premier Management Board by the Montgomery County Commission; and I was appointed a member of the Human Relations Council by the Dayton City Commission.
If elected what will be your top priority?
I will continue my work to make every neighborhood safe, vital and a place where all citizens are proud to live. This is more than removing blight. Rebuilding neighborhoods encourages job development, adds infrastructure and builds wealth. I will insist that a significant portion of the $147 million Dayton receives from the American Rescue Plan goes to housing: providing repairs and updates for current home owners, and refurbishing properties for new home ownership. Removing blighted properties must not be an excuse for developers to move in and freeze current residents out of their community.
Why should people cast their vote for you?
Since 2018, I have demonstrated responsible and responsive leadership, championing investment in our neighborhoods. I've led police reform, and advocated for adequately funding for the Human Relations Council. I initiated and led the work to secure our water (I encourage you to vote yes on Issue 8.) Most of all, I have been an independent voice for all residents and the potential they see for making our neighborhoods stronger.
What local charitable organizations do you support?
Dayton Children's Hospital
Omega CDC
Wesley Community Center
The League of Women's Voters
NAACP - Dayton Chapter
United Way
Grace UMC
St. Paul UMC
Englewood UMC
UNCF
Greater Dayton Christian Connections
Artemis Center
Campaign for Justice/ABLE
WYSO
Ohio Poor People's Campaign
Dayton View Triangle Neighborhood Association
African American Cultural Festival
The Family Affair Talent Show