Citizens First

Citizens first means our government is supposed to be representative of the citizens. A government of the people, by the people, and for the people.

For example, I’ve seen a vote on a development project where 6 commissioners voted for the project with one against. That lone opposing vote stated his reason for voting against was that the developer was not using union workers. Our government should be considering the citizens first. As the lone vote against the project this was an opportunity to signal to special interest that they are represented in government. Furthermore, it’s a conflict of interest because this commissioner’s law practice represents labor unions. This is the exact problem with our government today. We have too much evidence that our representatives are captured by special interest and not representing the people. I stand in firm opposition to that style of governance and will always seek to represent the people.

Another example would be the removal of the lone dissenting voice on the library board. As a fiduciary representing the taxpayer this board member sought to bring transparency and scrutiny to the library budget. This engendered contention with the other members of the board. They eventually asked the village council to remove him. A majority of public comment opposed this removal. Without cause, citing no violations, the council voted 4-3 to remove the board member. This is not representative of the people. This is governing by fiat. This is wholly unAmerican. As Village Commissioner I would protect the will of the people to the best of my ability.