Age: 40
Occupation: Captain Paramedic with the Phoenix Fire Department
Why are you running for election?
"In a nutshell, just being born and raised here. I have a great deal of pride and passion for my community, and I'm taking the next challenge by running for council."
What experience qualifies you for this position?
"My job being captain for the Phoenix Fire Department. I've also been on the Human Relations Commission of Tempe, which is an all-volunteer commission. In fact, I chaired that commission in 2006."
What, in your opinion, is the most important issue of this campaign and why?
"Making sure we're protecting and preserving our neighborhoods. We have an aging community that needs to be taken care of. We need to put pride back in owning a home."
What kind of relationship would you hope to have with ASU?
"Like any good relationship, you need to be able to talk about the good and the bad and know that, at the end of the day, you're still good friends. ASU is a big part of Tempe, and it always will be."
Why would ASU students want to elect you?
"I was born and raised here. I understand ASU and our neighborhoods. I feel I provide a balance: young enough to understand the college attitude and, at the same time, I have great respect for our older community."
What is the No. 1 thing you think needs to change in Tempe and why?
"We need to make sure we're improving communications between neighborhoods and developers and especially ASU. I'm interested in streamlining that communication process and providing a good balance in keeping the community unique but still going forward."
What do you feel are some of the most positive contributions students make to the community?
"Spending their money in Tempe, for one. With the University and their research, they add value to the community. It helps provide a unique diversity that most communities don't have."
What do you feel are some of the more negative contributions students make to the community?
"I guess a few things to work on are really being a good neighbor. Keeping up yards and appearances of houses ... just making sure to be mindful of being a good neighbor. Really, I think most students have a pretty good handle on this. There are just a few out there that need to be reminded."
What do you feel you can contribute to the community if elected?
"I am someone who knows how to work in a team role. I know how to make tough decisions. In my job, I have to make hard decisions as a firefighter. My decisions are life and death types of situations. On the city council, I have more time to make decisions and look at resources to make a positive outcome."
Report compiled and edited by Emma Breysse. Reach the reporter at emma.breysse@asu.edu.
