11/01/2025
Leadership isn’t about comfort or politics - it’s about standing up for what’s right, for the people you serve, and for accountability when it’s needed most.
As your Deputy Mayor, that's exactly what I've done.
When the Mayor tried to take authority away from our Fire Chief to decide certain line of duty deaths, I stood up for the department and stopped it.
When our utility department faced questions about transparency, I demanded clearer reporting, tougher oversight, and better accountability. They changed how they present to the City Council because I wouldn't stop asking the hard questions.
When staffing policies were applied unfairly, I intervened - protecting employees from mistreatment and protecting Groton City from unnecessary risk.
When employees couldn't safely go to the mayor with concerns, they came to me - and I listened, followed up, and worked to resolve issues.
And when others in leadership spoke poorly of elected officials or refused to work with them, I pushed for professionalism, respect, and collaboration.
That's what leadership looks like: not silence, not politics, but accountability and courage.
These aren’t isolated issues - they show what kind of leadership Groton City needs, and what kind of leadership I bring to the table.
Unfortunately, the direction our local Democratic Party has taken in recent years has been deeply disappointing.
When there was contention among Town Councilors, rather than work it out, the majority modified the rules to limit the minority's ability to represent their constituents.
When residents voiced frustration, instead of listening, the Council demanded public apologies - a direct assault on free speech.
When discussion became uncomfortable, they recessed the meeting to shut it down.
When negative feedback was expected, they cut public comment time to just 30 minutes for the entire month — twice.
I didn't leave the party out of bitterness - I left because I believe leadership means standing up to your own when they're wrong, and standing up for the residents when their voices are being silenced.
That's what I've done as your Deputy Mayor, and that's what I'll keep doing as your Mayor.
