Why I’m Running

I’m a longtime Ward 4 resident and I’ve personally experienced many of the most pressing issues our city is facing. From my family’s displacement from Rondo to seeing my former students on the streets to difficulty finding affordable housing for me and my wife, I know what fellow residents are facing because I live it everyday. 

I’ve been in the classrooms as an educator and on the streets as an organizer and have deep trust and broad connections to the communities who have been disconnected from political power and local politics. I recognize how these community members are not problems to be solved but people with the knowledge to effectively solve the challenges we face collectively.

Because of my personal experience and community connection, I can see the systems-level solutions we need to address key issues, and I have the diverse relationships and proven leadership to work across sectors and jurisdictions to get the results that Ward 4—and all Saint Paul—residents need. 

How I Work

Authentic

I’m not a typical politician. I won’t promise results I can’t deliver or pretend I know everything. You can trust me to show up authentically and speak my truth. And I will make space for you to do the same.

Accessible

From transit stops to rec centers to civic events, you can always find me in community. I am constantly connecting with and listening to community members and honoring their input even if it doesn’t align with my personal experience. 

People-Centered Policy

Especially for Black and brown residents, policies have often been created to control or “fix” communities. I believe communities should control policies so we can “fix” the systems that harm our people. 

Co-Governance

I can’t solve our collective problems alone. I believe in collaboration and community action—and need Ward 4 residents to be active participants in the process to be successful in my role at City Hall.

Problem Solver

From finding crisis resources for youth on the streets to addressing budget deficits on the Saint Paul School Board, I approach problems with an attitude of possibility and an all-ideas-on-the-table mentality. From the onset of the COVID pandemic to the impact of the George Floyd uprisings, I meet urgency and uncertainty with creativity and community-grounded responses.