Welcome

Converse County is at an important crossroads. As someone running for County Commissioner, I believe that every problem we face is also a chance to make things better—if we approach it with both vision and caution. Renewable energy facilities are expanding, data centers are popping up fast, nuclear energy development is on the horizon. These may bring new jobs and cutting-edge technology to our area. But being a real representative for our community means looking at more than just the positives. We need to ask tough questions about what’s truly good for our community, what values we want to stand for, and what kind of county we want to pass on to our kids.

Too often, our elected officials only talk about the upsides—more jobs, more tax money, and new businesses—without paying attention to the downsides. Sure, these projects may boost our economy, but they can also harm wildlife, put stress on our water supply, lower property values, and change the look and feel of our neighborhoods. We can’t just cheer for progress and ignore what it costs. If I’m elected, I’ll make sure everyone knows both the good and the bad of every big project so we can make smart decisions together.

Some say that because we don’t have formal zoning laws, we have to approve whatever comes our way. That’s just not true. When we say, “Our hands are tied because there’s no zoning,” we’re giving up our say and letting outsiders make decisions for us. I promise to keep decision-making local, with the people who actually live here. We can set guidelines and expectations even without zoning, so our community’s priorities always come first.

I respect every property owner’s rights. But we all live near other people, and what one person does on their land can affect their neighbors’ peace, property, or health. We need fair solutions that work for everyone. That means encouraging people to work together, setting reasonable boundaries, and having rules for things like noise, traffic, water consumption, air quality, etc. I’ll push for environmental checks and community groups to review community altering projects, so “growth” doesn’t ruin what makes our county special.

Picture a hydrogen refinery being built in close proximity to an elementary school, a data center adjacent to a neighborhood or a bridge to nowhere.  Nobody would think these are good ideas, no matter what the rules say. We need to use common sense in all our decisions. My campaign isn’t just about what’s allowed, it’s about doing what’s right for us, our neighbors and Converse County. I’ll push for development that safeguards our land, natural resources, wildlife, and water resources; while honoring the values we all share.

The real question for Converse County isn’t whether we can approve large community altering projects, but whether we can do it wisely. If you elect me as your County Commissioner, I’ll make sure everyone can speak up, that we look closely at the facts, and that every voice matters. Together, we can find a path that gives us good jobs and growth while still taking care of our land and our quality of life.

Let’s move past “business as usual.” Let’s expect more than just a rubber stamp for change. Let’s work for a Converse County where every decision reflects our hopes for a strong, lasting, and united community. I’m asking for your support in bringing thoughtful, practical leadership to the County Commission — because the question isn’t just what we can build, but what we should build.