Why is he running?

I’m running for office because I deeply love Hawthorne, the city where I grew up, raised my kids, and built my business. I want to bring positive change to the community I care about by addressing key issues like homelessness, affordable housing, and attracting businesses. My goal is to fight for what residents and business owners want and need, walking the line rather than leaning toward one political side. I know my decisions don’t just impact the community—they directly affect my family in many ways. I value the trust the community has placed in me during my time on the school board, and I feel a responsibility to preserve and strengthen our city’s future. I’m committed to focusing on important areas like redevelopment and public safety, without jeopardizing my personal integrity or reputation.

Why are you an independent?

I’m non-partisan because I believe that effective leadership is about doing what’s right for the people, not aligning with a political party. My focus is on the needs and concerns of the residents and business owners in Hawthorne, not on political agendas. By walking the line and staying independent, I can make decisions that are best for the community as a whole, rather than being influenced by party pressures. It’s important to me to listen to everyone, and I don’t want to be restricted by labels or divisions. My goal is to bring people together, solve problems, and create a better future for Hawthorne, without being tied to any specific political ideology.

What are your top three priority issues? 

The three most pressing issues facing Hawthorne today are affordable housing, homelessness, and the increasing number of empty businesses. Affordable Housing: Housing costs in Hawthorne have skyrocketed, making it difficult for many families to afford a place to live. As a community, we must ensure that working families, seniors, and young people can find homes within their budget. Without affordable housing, we risk displacing the very residents who have contributed to the fabric of our city for generations. To address this critical issue, I propose implementing policies that encourage the development of affordable housing houses and protecting existing residents from exorbitant rent increases. Additionally, we should introduce incentives for increasing homeownership, particularly through first-time home buyer programs. These programs could include down payment assistance, lower interest rates, and tax incentives to make homeownership more accessible to our residents. By focusing on both rental affordability and homeownership opportunities, we can create a more inclusive and stable community where everyone has the chance to build a secure future. Homelessness: The issue of homelessness is deeply intertwined with the lack of affordable housing and is a growing concern in Hawthorne. It’s not just a matter of people living on the streets; it’s a reflection of our city’s inability to provide for its most vulnerable residents. Addressing homelessness requires a multifaceted approach, including providing access to mental health services, job training programs, and, most importantly, stable housing solutions. We cannot turn a blind eye to this issue any longer; we must take action to ensure every resident has a safe place to call home. Emptying Businesses: The rise in empty storefronts and businesses leaving Hawthorne is a sign that our local economy is struggling. This not only impacts the city’s revenue but our taxes, and the sense of community and vibrancy that thriving local businesses bring. Supporting small businesses, encouraging entrepreneurship, and creating an environment where businesses can thrive are essential steps to revitalizing our economy. If we fail to address this issue, we risk losing the unique character of our city and the jobs that come with a healthy business sector. These issues are interconnected and solving them requires a mayor who understands the stakes, has a personal investment in the community, and is committed to making Hawthorne a place where everyone can live, work, and thrive.

What are your positions that help support empowering independents (open primaries etc)? 

I support open primaries and empowering independents so that all voters, including independents, can help choose candidates. I want to make it easier for independent candidates to run and compete fairly, with less influence from political parties. I also believe in making sure decisions are based on what’s best for the community, not politics.

What will you do to support your fellow veterans and members of the military community? 

I’m dedicated to supporting veterans by providing job training opportunities, especially in areas like dog training and grooming. Through my non-profit The Dawgs Project, I work with veterans, active duty, and children though my non-profit. Our mission is to: (1) educate the public on the benefits that dogs provide in the emotional support of veterans and children, (2) support active duty service members, veterans, children and K9s through morale building/educational activities and events, (3) provide grants to Veterans and children in need of a dog for emotional support, (4) support other non-profit organizations with similar missions. Additionally, I want to create spaces for veterans to connect and share resources, helping them transition into civilian life more easily.

ENDORSEMENTS