Public Service
I have been a minister in the local church throughout my adult life, so public service seems natural. Some ministers focus chiefly on their congregations, but that has never been my desire. To me, ministry means leading people to love God and one another—and then, together, extending that love beyond the church walls.
If elected, I will first thank the people who helped make this opportunity possible. Then I will invest considerable time in understanding the city budget and Covington’s transition from a city-manager to a mayor-council form of government.
I will also work quickly with colleagues and community leaders to address affordable housing. Covington is making amazing strides, but we must do well in order to do good. Financial prosperity is worthy, but when doing “well” drowns out doing “good” for people at every economic level, prosperity becomes a hollow pursuit.
Facing Our “Mess” Together
Covington is in a bit of a “mess” right now—not because of our wrongdoing or failure to act, but because of our good work. I know that is awkward English, but it captures the complexity of progress.
The city’s “Bridging the Gap” initiative seeks to keep residents, businesses, and visitors informed during the Fourth Street Bridge replacement and the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project. These projects will test our patience. I have said, “You’ve got to be kidding me,” when facing another big, ugly road-closure sign. But how many years have we waited for progress on these projects?
Being a caring, vibrant community requires more than communication; it requires collaboration. It takes more than talking—or complaining. It takes listening—and cooperating. Let’s face this “mess” together.
Climate and Transportation
Affordability affects how people experience pollution. During periods of poor air quality or extreme heat, residents need practical information about KN95 masks, air-conditioning recirculation settings, HEPA air purifiers, and daytime cooling facilities.
I have developed a relationship with Samuel Greenwell, who attended the Mayor’s Academy with me. He is knowledgeable about environmental concerns and has agreed to guide me. At the Latonia library, he shares practical advice about native gardening, fruit trees, and balancing our local ecosystem.
Covington has made progress with bicycle routes, pedestrian walkways, and TANK service, though major construction has hindered some improvements. TANK’s $2 cash fare and $4 day pass are encouraging. I also wonder whether GEST Carts might expand their hours or service areas to help connect underserved neighborhoods.
Cameras: Help or Harm?
My initial reaction to automated license plate readers (ALPRs), was a hard no. Research, however, shows that while mass-surveillance concerns are real, these readers are not surveillance cameras, but scanners that can assist law enforcement.
My openness depends on firm safeguards: cameras must not continuously track people or vehicles; all searches must be auditable; images must be deleted on a clearly defined schedule; and misuse by anyone—including law enforcement—must carry serious consequences. I am no longer a hard no, but I do have some hard and reasonable expectations.
Affordability, Transparency, and Diversity
Covington is thriving, with investment in housing and higher-paying jobs. Yet investors often begin by improving neighborhoods and end by pricing out residents who grew up there and want to stay. I believe in free enterprise—but at what cost? Can we walk alongside our neighbors as we pursue what everyone desires: a place to call home?
My experiences with our mayors and city commissioners have been informative and honest. Still, being inside government can create isolation and impatience with those outside. As a pastor, I learned that transparency is not simply valued; it is necessary. That principle would remain central to my service.
Growing up in Covington and graduating from Holmes High School and Northern Kentucky University gave me an enduring appreciation for our diversity. Covington has taken meaningful steps to strengthen it. City Council must remain vigilant in protecting that progress and willing to add safeguards when needed.