Our vision is to be America’s premier community, and our mission is to provide services and resources that enhance the quality of life of those who live, learn, work, and play in our city. Our values are driven with integrity through collaboration to achieve excellence. My agenda is to take us to the next level, and I cannot do it without you. Over the past two years as a Council and with invaluable input from our businesses and residents, we have set our priorities to include these five pillars of our strategic plan.
Without effective public safety nothing else matters. All residents in our city deserve to feel safe in their homes, our kids need to feel safe in their schools and our businesses need to feel that their employees and assets are secure. Additionally, our police officers and firefighters need to feel safe and supported while performing their jobs. I believe that community policing, where neighbors know and trust their officers, combined with data and technology, needs to play a leading role in how we craft our future. If re-elected as mayor, I will continue to provide transparency on current safety trends happening in our city, the training and abilities of our public safety employees and potential challenges that may exist. We are fortunate to live in a community that is nationally recognized as one of the safest cities in the nation, and as we continue to grow, we need to ensure that designation is maintained.
As a lifelong Henderson resident, I know how important our school system is to our community. We recognize that school choice should be a right that every family enjoys. All parents should be trusted by their government to decide what the best educational setting and curriculum is for their children and what will create the best opportunities for their success.
Further, I believe it is imperative for us to examine partnerships between the business community and our Henderson schools, which is why I enthusiastically support the Community Education Advisory Board (CEAB) along with the marijuana and Redevelopment funds that provide millions of dollars in grants to Henderson public schools. I am proud of the relationship we enjoy with the Henderson Chamber of Commerce, allowing the business community the opportunity to play a role in our children’s future. Last year, we became a Charter School Authority allowing us to expand our own charter schools. Finally, I believe Henderson should have its own school district, with the autonomy to make the decisions that suit us best. It’s time to modernize and not wait for more generations of kids to funnel through a system we all know needs changing.
Every aspect of community planning plays a vital role in building a stronger, more prosperous city. We must continue attracting businesses that maximize our land use while creating high-quality job opportunities for our residents. A diverse employment base and resilient economy will help safeguard our city against economic downturns.
Smart, sustainable growth—across our economy, job market, housing options, technology, infrastructure, and natural resources—is essential to preserving the exceptional quality of life we enjoy in Henderson. To secure our future, we must be forward-thinking, innovative, and never settle for the status quo.
Last year, we proudly announced we had been awarded the prestigious 2024 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award— the nation’s only presidential award for performance excellence. We started working toward this goal more than 14 years ago, implementing major continuous improvement programs and enhancing how we collect and use data in our organization to drive meaningful results for our community. This amazing achievement spans multiple City leaders, touches every City department and reflects our commitment to the citizens and businesses of Henderson. We all share in this incredible affirmation of our efforts. Last year alone we received multiple awards of recognition for our quality work ranging from the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools to the Theo Award to the National Beacon award and many more. With my colleagues, our executive team and staff we will be taking our city to the next level.
This priority takes a comprehensive approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of economic diversity, social engagement, public health, environmental sustainability, and responsible use of natural resources. Our goal is to create and sustain vibrant, adaptable, and healthy communities—both for today and for future generations.
Key initiatives include water conservation, expanded access to mental health resources, affordable housing, cultural arts, and improved transportation. Each of these elements plays a vital role in enhancing our overall quality of life, and together, they shape the future of our city.
Transparency in our government is paramount. Since being elected, we have started monthly Morning Meet-ups in each ward and quarterly Council Conversations/Connections as well as newsletters and a robust social media plan. I have consistently been available in person, by phone, email and messaging. I believe it is critically important for elected officials to actively respond to questions and concerns; which I have done and will continue to do throughout my service.