Community Questions & Answers

Affordable Housing & Public Safety 

Answer:
Thank you for raising this important issue. As mayor, my focus will be on delivering real, practical solutions to challenges like affordable housing and public safety. My approach always begins with collaboration, transparency, and keeping Milton’s needs front and center.

Affordable Housing
Every Milton resident deserves access to safe, affordable housing. I will work with local developers, community organizations, and our Planning Commission to create opportunities for affordable homes—while preserving the character of our neighborhoods. That means advocating for smart zoning updates, offering responsible incentives, and ensuring residents’ voices are heard every step of the way.

Public Safety
Public safety is a top priority. I will continue to support our police by providing the resources and training they need, while also encouraging community policing that builds trust between residents and law enforcement. We’ll also take proactive steps to address the root causes of crime, so Milton stays safe for everyone.

What Sets Me Apart
The difference between me and my opponent is how I lead. I’m committed to open communication, welcoming feedback, and working with all sides to find lasting solutions. I believe progress should benefit everyone—not just a select few—and I will always put Milton first.

Funding City Services 

Answer:
Let’s be honest—everyone wants safe streets, great parks, and reliable services, but no one likes higher taxes. That’s why my plan looks beyond property and sales taxes to smarter, proven solutions.

1. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Partnering with local businesses to share costs for projects like playgrounds or community events. This brings in new ideas and private investment without extra burden on taxpayers.
    
2. Grants & Creative Funding: Our new grant writer can help Milton tap into state and federal funding for public safety, infrastructure, and community programs—stretching our budget further. I’ll also explore local fundraising and philanthropy for specific projects.
    
3. Shared Services Agreements: By teaming up with nearby cities—like we already do with police dispatch—we can save money, reduce overhead, and improve service delivery.
    

Why This Works
These methods diversify our revenue, keep taxes stable, and foster community engagement. They’re about doing more with less and keeping Milton financially smart. As mayor, I’ll champion these approaches so we can deliver the services you expect—without placing extra strain on families.

Budget Priorities 

Answer:
When I think about Milton’s budget, I focus on everyday quality-of-life improvements—things people feel in their daily lives. My top three priorities are:

1. Safer Streets: We need to tackle speeding through traffic-calming measures, better crosswalks, and community enforcement. Safer roads protect kids, families, and even our pets. Plus, revenue from traffic enforcement can go right back into street and sidewalk improvements.
    
2. Clean Water: Every household deserves clean, reliable water. I’ll invest in our water infrastructure, expand testing, and keep residents informed so you can trust what’s coming out of your tap.
    
3. Reliable Power: I’ll work with our partners to strengthen Milton’s power grid, reduce outages, and ensure our community is always connected—whether it’s for work, school, or family time.
    

How I Differ
Instead of flashy projects, I prioritize practical solutions that directly benefit residents. My approach keeps costs down by focusing on prevention—fewer accidents, healthier water systems, and fewer outages mean long-term savings. Taxpayers will see their dollars at work in ways that make Milton safer, healthier, and more reliable.

 Working with City Council  

Answer:
Disagreements are natural in any leadership role—and when handled well, they can lead to better ideas and stronger results. My style is about constructive collaboration.

• Engagement: I address disagreements early and openly, making sure everyone feels heard. 
• Transparency: I’ll explain decisions clearly so even if we disagree, residents know the process was fair. 
• Shared Goals: I’ll keep us focused on what unites us—Milton’s priorities. 
• Mediation: When conflicts arise, I’ll step in as a fair facilitator to help us move forward productively. 

Unlike my opponent, I don’t see leadership as top-down. I see it as bringing people together, finding common ground, and turning disagreements into opportunities for progress. That’s how we’ll keep Milton moving forward.

Community Involvement   

Answer:
I believe city government should feel like a good neighbor—approachable, transparent, and always ready to listen.

Here’s how I’ll make sure residents’ voices guide our decisions:

• Regular “Chat with Steve” meetups in neighborhoods across Milton. 
• An online feedback portal for ideas, concerns, and questions—anonymous or open. 
• Quarterly surveys with results shared publicly so you see how your input shapes decisions. 
• A resident-led Milton Movers committee to review feedback and advise on priorities.
   

I’ll also meet people where they are—at community events, coffee shops, and front doors—not just at City Hall. Your input won’t just sit on a shelf; it will be woven into our city’s plans.

My goal is simple: decisions shouldn’t be made for Milton—they should be made with Milton.

Qualifications & Experience 

Answer:
What sets me apart is a combination of professional leadership, proven public service, and deep community roots.

• Education: MBA in Marketing (City University Seattle) and BA in Communications (Washington State University).
   
• Public Service: Current Mayor Pro Tempore, Milton City Councilmember, Past President of the Milton Police Foundation, former executive secretary of the FME Chamber of Commerce, and years of committee service.
   
• Leadership Experience: Successfully managed teams, budgets, and resources in both private and public sectors.
   
• Community Involvement: Volunteer elder at Mission Woods Church, assistant instructor at Karate Edge, and longtime supporter of local schools and nonprofits.
   

I’ve led through emergencies, helped guide growth, and worked hand-in-hand with first responders and residents. Above all, I bring integrity, transparency, and a heart for service—qualities Milton deserves in its next mayor.

 Core Values

Answer:
The value that guides everything I do is integrity. To me, integrity means being honest, transparent, and accountable—always making decisions as if the community is watching, because in Milton, they are.

Integrity shapes how I lead:

• I’m transparent about every vote and every decision. 
• I base policies on what’s best for Milton, not what’s easiest or most popular. 
• I’ve built a record of common-sense solutions that put residents first.
   

This consistency builds trust, and trust is the foundation of good government. Milton deserves a mayor who listens, leads with honesty, and never forgets that public service is about people, not politics. That’s the standard I’ll hold myself to every day.

 Important votes 

Answer:
 

While it’s hard to pick just one, I believe my most important votes while on council have been:

• Approving the refinancing for the new substation to finally upgrade essential city infrastructure and keep utility control local.
• Backing the deep well project to ensure Milton’s water supply keeps pace with growth.
• Supporting stop line and school zone speed cameras to enhance public safety and fund needed road and sidewalk improvements..

Each of these decisions directly benefits Milton’s residents now and for the future.

How I’ll Measure Success at the End of My First Term

Answer:
 

For me, success isn’t about making promises—it’s about delivering progress you can see and feel every day in Milton. By the end of my first term, I’ll measure success through four key areas:

• Safer, more walkable streets
  Completion of at least two major sidewalk connections and three traffic-calming projects (crosswalks, signage, or speed controls) that reduce speeding and make our neighborhoods safer.
• Preserving Milton’s character while managing growth
  Maintaining our small-town feel by making sure new development follows updated zoning standards, while growing sales tax revenue each year to support city services—without adding new burdens on families.
• Stronger community engagement
  Quarterly “Chat with Steve” gatherings in different neighborhoods and at least 70% participation in community surveys, so decisions truly reflect the voices of Milton residents.
• Transparent, accountable leadership
  Clear annual “State of the City” reports summarizing our budget, council actions, and progress—giving every resident a window into how their city is being run.

Bottom line: If Milton has safer streets, stable finances, engaged residents, and transparent leadership by the end of my first term, then we’ll know we’re headed in the right direction—together.