Candidate Q&A

I'm running because retirement has given me the opportunity to serve Cocoa and put what I learned during 32 years in manufacturing leadership to work for the community. Cocoa is more than where I live; it's where my family's story began. Both of my parents graduated from Cocoa High School in 1959, my mother lived in Cocoa Village for decades, and my wife, Alesa, and I spent years returning to visit family. When I retired, I came home to Cocoa.

My career taught me to listen carefully, study the facts, weigh reasonable alternatives, bring people together, and be accountable for every decision I made. Since retiring, I've begun putting that discipline to work close to home as President of the Barclay Square Condominium Association. That's the approach I would bring to City Council: listen first, decide carefully, and follow through for every neighborhood in District 1.

Strengthen Accountable, Transparent Government

Before voting, I will ask the questions needed to understand not just the staff recommendation, but the reasonable alternatives considered, the long-term financial impact, how each option affects residents and neighborhoods, and why staff believes one option is best. Residents should be able to see how decisions are made and trust that their voices were heard.

Protect Neighborhoods and Quality of Life

District 1 includes some of Cocoa's greatest assets—from Cocoa Village and the Diamond Square community to the many neighborhoods families proudly call home. Every area has its own needs, but all should have safe streets, dependable infrastructure, well-maintained parks and public spaces, and a City Council that listens to the people who live and work there. Safety, noise, landscaping, maintenance, and overall appearance all shape everyday life. I will work with residents in each neighborhood to identify their priorities and pursue solutions that fit—not assume every community needs the same thing.

Projects like the Michael C. Blake Subdivision, the Dr. Joe Lee Smith Community Center, and the revitalization of Provost Park show what sustained investment can accomplish. I will support that kind of progress across District 1, with the goal of leaving every neighborhood stronger than I found it.

Support Responsible Economic Growth

There's a lot to be excited about on the Space Coast right now. The port keeps growing, the space industry keeps expanding, and Brevard County is on a trajectory most communities would envy. I want District 1 to share in that opportunity—with new shops, restaurants, and employers that give residents more reasons to shop, eat, and work close to home. I will support businesses and projects that strengthen our tax base and benefit the community over the long term.

The single biggest challenge facing Cocoa residents is protecting their quality of life as the City grows. Growth can bring new businesses, jobs, amenities, and a stronger tax base, but it can also bring more traffic, greater demands on police and fire protection, added pressure on roads and utilities, and changes to the character of our neighborhoods.

I would address that challenge by making the impact on residents a central consideration in every major growth decision. I will evaluate whether a proposal is the right fit for Cocoa, what lasting benefits it will bring, what additional City services it will require, and whether it will generate enough revenue to cover those costs—so growth doesn't end up costing residents who are already here.

Before supporting an increase in taxes, fees, or utility rates, I will expect a clear public explanation of why it is necessary, what alternatives were considered, and how its impact on residents can be limited. Approved projects such as the new hotel and Brightline station offer Cocoa real opportunities. The City now has to plan ahead so residents see the benefits without paying for them through higher costs, strained services, or a lower quality of life.

Communication should start with listening—well before the Council meeting begins—and continue after the vote is taken. I'll be accessible by phone and email, and I will encourage residents to contact me before the Council acts on matters that affect them. The people who live with the consequences of our decisions every day often see needs, risks, and opportunities that government may miss.

I'll also hold regular District 1 town halls and informal neighborhood listening sessions, and I will offer email updates so residents can stay informed about important issues coming before the Council. After meetings involving major issues—such as millage rate votes, budget approvals, major development decisions, or anything with a direct impact on District 1—I'll send a short recap explaining how I voted and why, without requiring residents to dig through meeting minutes to find out. My goal is to make local government easier to understand and more responsive to residents.

What sets me apart is a career spent leading teams, managing significant resources, making difficult decisions, and being accountable for the results. I know how to bring people with different perspectives together, weigh competing priorities, and follow through.

I'm not running to begin a political career or position myself for higher office. I'm running to serve Cocoa. I'll come to every meeting prepared, exercise independent judgment, and act based on what is best for Cocoa. That is the standard I'll hold myself to as your Council member.

No. There is nothing in my personal or professional record that would affect my ability to serve on City Council. I welcome voters looking at my background and asking questions about my experience and qualifications.

Although I'm running to represent District 1, every Council member is responsible for the entire city. Every vote affects all of Cocoa, not just one district. I will advocate for District 1 while considering what each decision means for Cocoa as a whole.