Like many of you, I wear a lot of different hats as a husband, father, homeowner, business owner, coach, and Pastor. I understand that supporting those who keep our communities safe is a top priority.

Public safety, public education and public health are all vital to our communities. Together we are facing challenges that require civility and collaboration to move things forward.

My Great Grandmother told me when I was young, “good manners and respect will always take you further than money.” She is the inspiration that continues to guide me everyday. I built our family business and my life in Virginia Beach around the principles she taught me, one of the most valuable is civility.

I believe civility leads with a respect and regard for others. Local government may be a place to fight for good ideas, but it is not a battleground, it is a place where we reach toward shared goals.  Civility is a commitment and it is one I make to our families and to our city.

We often hear, “there is no I in TEAM, however, there is an I in WIN.” I learned you need a team to win and collaboration is the best way to make that happen.

Collaboration is not always easy or popular, in fact in a time of partisanship it is often the first casualty. We must renew and expand our city’s legacy of teamwork for our families and those who seek us out. I believe this, and I commit to it personally and politically. Collaboration will be my method on city council for the good of all the people of Virginia Beach.