My "why"?
It hit me. Teaching a lesson in early November to some of the best students in the county, something was off. The lesson suddenly became less important. I decided to listen to students. Not hear them but listen to them. To a student, they were terrified, anxious, and insecure about their future. Many described a feeling of hopelessness that no amount of education, work, risk, and effort would matter. They questioned the American Dream. And this led me to my "why"? Imagine finding creative solutions to complex, universal problems?
WHERE I COME FROM
Born in Southern York County I learned early the
dignity and pride in hard work. In high school you could find me working 30-40 hours a week at the local bowling lanes, saving money for a car and college. Where I come from very little is given, rather earned. To that end, you will see that I'm not asking for donations or money because I'm not beholden to party, donors, interests, etc. Both political parties are equally to blame for creating a pay to play system and we aren't offered a seat at the table. Against all advice (and believe me, there has been plenty to call me crazy) I'm running a new campaign as a throwback Democrat who is eager to roll up my sleeves and talk to real, working people, where they are. I'm not interested in condescension, "what-aboutism", or telling others how they should feel. The algorithms have polluted the conversation and made rage a profitable commodity. There will be challengers swimming in cash, endorsements, name recognition, and political party help whereas I'm a simple optimist that hopes people are still willing to listen. I'm as grassroots as it gets. I understand that social media isn't a true reflection of who 90% of us are. Let's show them our #BlueCollarGrit.
A THRIVING CAREER
I was fortunate enough to attend Millersville University (or the Harvard of Lancaster Public Education as we (I) affectionately refer) from 2002-2006, earning a BSE degree in Social Studies Education. I continued to earn my Master's Degree in American History (with an emphasis on economic history). Going into my 20th year, I pride myself in providing students a rigorous and relevant class where I challenge students to formulate their beliefs, supported by credible evidence.
Teaching provides hope for a better tomorrow. My momma was a teacher for 35 years so helping students find their pathways is a passion. In 2023 I thought I could help effectuate change where my children attend school, the West Shore School District, and I ran unopposed and humbly won a seat on the School Board of Directors. It has been a bittersweet experience as I believe my calling is helping students, however, the system is under a coordinated attack and continues to be let down by Harrisburg (inadequate funding, failure to address meaningful cyber charter waste and abuse), has motivated me to be in the position to solve problems that help hundreds of thousands of students. My seriousness to these principles underscores that I'm gambling a job I love in exchange for public service that removes barriers for others. May we shift the conversation from "who's at fault" to "how do we fix it?"
ISSUES
Imagine. Things working for working people.
I'm an old, new democrat. I'm George H.W. Bush with a smidge more charisma (and a love for broccoli) mixed with Bill Clinton (minus the...ummmm... sleaze). As both parties have raced to the extremes, my plan is to own the center of the field. My singular focus is economic issues that plague our communities, which transcends red or blue. I have deep empathy for those who never had a seat at the table. Those who are fighting simply to be heard. To me, the America's largest threat is algorithms combined with hopelessness. We are adrift because we lack shared purpose and common experience. You will not find me fighting a negative campaign as I want to give residents a choice for a singular focus - one of optimism and empathy rather than a person to vote against. I have great respect for Mrs. Delozier, but we will respectfully disagree on important issues for District 88.
MY Six Pack (of goals)
1. Constitutional and Adequate public education funding. West Shore, Mechanicsburg and Cumberland Valley have been underfunded by millions by the state, forcing school boards to increase your property taxes.
2. Cyber Charter funding reform. Our public school districts pay millions (in the case of West Shore almost 10 million!) annually to unaccountable cyber charter schools. Your tax dollars subsidize the waste and abuse in these systems. I celebrate school choice, but not at the expense of your tax dollars.
3. Student Loan Support - College shouldn't be free but student loan debt is weighing down a generation. I would propose and support the state offer 0% loans to all state residents, regardless of age, attending any post-secondary learning institution. Students ARE NOT profits and dreams should not be deferred because of deferred interest.
4. Childcare Costs. I will work with and find whoever has creative solutions to decreasing childcare costs. I believe people want the dignity of work; however, well entire paychecks are consumed by childcare, work doesn't pay. This must be a public-private collaboration to help parents enter and stay in the labor force.
5. Property Tax Reform for seniors - Fixed income seniors should have their school property taxes frozen. When we reform cyber charter tuition rates, we provide seniors with tax relief.
6. Empowering utility regulators to ensure that utility companies aren't profiteering from our needs to enrich shareholders.