Why I am Running
I am running for Mayor because Westlake’s debt, tax burden, and governance deserve public accountability.
My priorities are simple: fiscal discipline, transparent governance, and protecting the long-term strength of Westlake Academy.
That includes how we manage growth at Westlake Academy and how we protect essential student services.
Fiscal Discipline and Responsible Growth
In FY25, the Town issued $9.38 million in new long-term debt, bringing total outstanding Town debt to approximately $51.9 million. In a town of approximately 2,200 residents, that equates to roughly $23,560 of debt per resident based on current population estimates.
Council also increased the property tax rate from 16.788¢ to 18.5¢, a 10.2% increase and the first rate increase since 2020.
The adopted FY25 and FY26 budgets reflect a net increase of more than eight full-time equivalent positions, representing a significant expansion in Town staffing.
I support:
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Limiting new debt unless clearly justified and publicly debated
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Containing growth in Town staffing and recurring expenses
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Holding the property tax rate flat absent a clearly demonstrated need
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Prioritizing core services over discretionary expansion
Transparent Governance
Major decisions should be debated in public before commitments are made. Over the past two years, significant financial and policy decisions were advanced with limited public discussion. For example:
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The $2.1 million athletic field renovation was publicly announced as substantially privately funded, yet the Town later doubled its direct contribution to $1 million after commitments fell short.
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Separately, the Guardian Angel drone program was promoted through official Academy communications and private fundraising, before any Council agenda or public review.
I will work to ensure major initiatives are fully discussed in public before commitments are made.
Protecting the Long-Term Strength of Westlake Academy
Westlake Academy is central to our community and deserves clear planning, financial discipline, and transparency.
Capacity Constraints
Westlake Academy is a landlocked campus with limited classroom and parking capacity. The addition of another fourth-grade class brings enrollment close to 900 students, increasing pressure on facilities and traffic. Given these facility constraints, residents deserve a clear explanation of how additional enrollment fits within the campus’s capacity.
Budget Priorities
During my time on Council, I advocated for additional student counselors to better support our children. Instead, those positions were removed from the proposed budget. Since then, the budget has reflected further reductions in funding for student-facing support such as guidance and counseling, health services, and instructional leadership, even as enrollment grows.
At the same time, athletics spending is increasing, and the Town has committed $1 million to athletic field renovations.
The budget also relies on a significant increase in private donations, projected to reach roughly $1.75 million. That level of fundraising has not historically been demonstrated and raises questions about relying on donations at that scale to support core school operations.
As enrollment grows and financial pressures increase, residents deserve a clear explanation of how these choices serve students.
Financial Sustainability
State funding provides a little over $8,000 per student, while true operating costs approach $13,000. As enrollment grows, the difference between state funding and operating costs must be covered through local funding or private donations.
The Town has historically contributed just under $1.5 million toward Academy operations (about $1,666 per student). The Academy now projects the Town's direct contribution eventually declining to about $1 million (roughly $1,100 per student), increasing reliance on other funding sources.
Enrollment is increasing, the gap between state funding and operating costs remains, and the Town has signaled declining operating support. Given these dynamics, residents deserve a clear explanation of how the Academy’s finances will remain sustainable going forward.
I will:
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Align enrollment growth with demonstrated campus capacity and sustainable infrastructure funding
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Require transparent financial projections before major expansion decisions
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Protect essential classroom and student support resources
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Clearly communicate the long-term financial framework between the Town and the Academy
Since stepping down, the pattern of advancing major initiatives before full Council debate has continued. That approach weakens transparency and public trust in how decisions are made.
Westlake deserves leadership that operates with clear boundaries, transparent process, and public accountability. I am running for Mayor to restore that standard.