PRIORITIES

Our law enforcement officers are the thin blue line protecting our families, homes, and way of life in Gold Beach, Brookings, Port Orford, and across Curry County. As a former Curry County Deputy, I know the dedication it takes to answer the call—day or night, in storms or wildfires. Recent budget constraints have stretched our Sheriff's Office too thin: fewer deputies on patrol mean risks to the safety we all rely on. 

We can not let politics or divides stand in the way of supporting our heroes. I will work to bridge gaps, prioritize sustainable funding, and ensure our deputies have the tools, staffing, and respect they deserve. Public safety is not partisan—it is about keeping our community safe and united.

Curry County has one of the lowest property tax rates in Oregon, which keeps costs down for families—but it also means we must be extra careful with every dollar. Recent years have brought tough choices, including budget reductions across departments after one-time federal funds expired and levy measures that didn't pass. These steps were necessary to avoid deeper crises, but they have highlighted the need for better planning and collaboration. 

I will bring my experience collaborating with state and local leaders seek out financial opportunities  that will ensure fiscal responsibility that supports our deputies, protects families, and unites us around sustainable solutions—no waste, no unnecessary divides, just practical leadership. 

I believe transparency isn’t optional—it is the foundation of public trust. And right now, that trust has been weakened by inconsistent leadership and a lack of clear, open communication.

Too often, decisions are made behind closed doors or without enough explanation to the people they impact. When transparency is treated as situational—applied one way for some and differently for others—it creates confusion, frustration, and a loss of confidence in county government. That’s not how I will lead.

I believe transparency should be consistent, fair, and built into every decision—not used when it’s convenient or withheld when it’s not.

As your Commissioner, I will:

• Ensure consistent, reliable access to public information so you always know what your government is doing and why. 
• Make decision-making more open and understandable, with clear processes that the public can follow and trust. 
• Hold leadership—including myself—to the same standard across the board, without exceptions or favoritism. 
• Communicate directly and regularly with the public, not just when it’s easy, but especially when it matters most. 

Curry County is paradise—but we live with real risks. From devastating wildfires like the Chetco Bar Fire, Klondike, and the 2025 Moon Complex that forced evacuations, to the 

ever-present threat of a Cascadia earthquake and tsunamis along our coast, we can not afford to be caught off-guard. As a wildland firefighter, I have seen firsthand how fast fires spread in our rugged terrain and dense forests. 

Our Sheriff's Office and local fire districts are heroes, but stretched resources mean we need better coordination and funding to support them. I will work tirelessly to bring people together—residents, agencies, and elected leaders—to build a safer, more resilient Curry County.

Curry is home to families who cherish the outdoors, cheer loudly at youth sporting events, gather for the County Fair, and volunteer for organizations and events around the county. As an OSAA sports official and longtime youth leader, I have watched kids learn teamwork, discipline, and resilience on the field—values that make our families and community stronger. But we have faced unnecessary tensions that affect everyone, from slower emergency responses to missed opportunities for collaboration.  

I will bridge divides between offices, prioritize public safety so families feel secure, and invest in what unites us: our youth, our infrastructure, our parks, and our shared future in Brookings, Gold Beach, Port Orford, Langlois and beyond.

Curry County is diverse and beautiful—from coastal towns cheering at the Azalea Festival parade to families enjoying rides and exhibits at the Curry County Fair in Gold Beach. We gather for summer events, volunteer, and support youth sports that teach our kids resilience. But when voices go unheard or divides grow, we all feel it—especially in regards to public safety, where collaboration is key to keeping response times fast. I will champion involvement from every corner of our county and beyond. 

Unity isn't just nice—it is essential for backing our deputies, preparing for emergencies, and strengthening families from north to south.