Transparency is so critical for local elected officials. You deserve to know where I stand on key issues. Here is where I stand:
- Data Centers- I am opposed to data centers for environmental protection reasons. Bloomington already has a diverse and strong local economy, and does not have a clear need for data centers.
- Affordable Housing- I am a proponent for increasing our housing supply of all levels, but my focus is affordable housing for working-class and middle-class residents.
- Flock Cameras- I am against the use of flock cameras for privacy purposes.
- Grocery Sales Tax- I voted for the repeal of the grocery sales tax in the midterm election in November 2026. Such taxes are regressive that disproportionally affects the budgets of working-class residents.
- McLean County Shared Sales Tax for Behavioral Health Coordination- I believe the City Council must work closely with the Town and County to streamline the funding, improve the process to ensure funds are equitably shared and distributed based on the intended outcomes from the Inter-governmental Agreement. I pledge to be an ally of mental health services while also practicing fiscal responsibility and transparency.
- Union Labor- I am a strong advocate of Project Labor Agreements and believe that union power must be preserved, celebrated and strengthened locally.
Solutions
- Data Centers: Extend moratorium on data centers for at least one-year or as long as legally possible and strengthen ordinance that prevents council members, mayor or staff from signing an Non-Disclosure Agreement with a data center developer or company.
- Flock Cameras: Discontinue the use of AI-powered license plate cameras connected to Flock Safety, as done in Evanston, IL. (Evanston Round Table, 2026)
- Affordable Housing:
- Implement inclusionary zoning practices to require developers to dedicate at least 10% of all new multi-family units affordable to 60-80% of the Area Median Income as defined by HUD.
- Create an Affordable Housing Trust Fund to serve as a revolving loan fund for new affordable housing projects.
- Childcare Development:
- Update Zoning Codes to explicitly allow home-based daycares in residential zones, permit nonfamily employees, and allow larger signage. This reduces barriers to opening new childcare businesses, especially home-based providers, which are a critical part of the supply. (YMCAM Report, 2026)
- Create a Special Property Tax Rate for Childcare Centers. Establish a property tax incentive for homeowners who operate licensed home-based childcare businesses. (YMCAM Report, 2026)
- Key Benefit: Lowers a high operational cost for home-based providers and incentivizes property owners to support new childcare slots.
- Provide Municipal Sales Tax Relief. Specific Action: Exempt Registered Childcare Businesses from Local Sales Tax. Allow all state-licensed childcare businesses to purchase food, supplies, and equipment tax-free. (YMCAM Report, 2026)
- Utility & Tax Relief for Seniors: Expand the existing $33 water fee discount for residents 65 years or older, residing in Bloomington, and making below $65,000.