Sam’S PLAN
As a longtime Oakwood resident, educator, and community advocate, I will bring energy, experience, and a deep love for Oakwood to the City Council. I believe we can only accomplish our goals when we work collaboratively and transparently, and when we commit to open and honest communication leading to inclusive decision-making. I am committed to listening to residents, business owners, city workers, school leaders, and local and regional partners to learn more about our city’s needs and develop solutions to our challenges.
In Oakwood, our most valuable resource is our people: citizen civic engagement is the cornerstone of effective governance, shared fiscal responsibility, and mutual accountability. Promoting civic engagement in Oakwood and celebrating the expertise, ingenuity, diversity, creativity, and commitment of our community will help us to meet our city’s challenges head on.
Supporting Oakwood Businesses and Business Growth: Oakwood community is nurtured not only in our civic and school spaces, but also in our businesses. I am focused on advocating for Oakwood businesses, recognizing that a vibrant and diverse business community in Oakwood is critical for our city’s continued flourishing. This may involve reevaluating City zoning codes and ordinances to make sure we have the right regulations to allow entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses in Oakwood. The city can also explore tax incentives for commercial property owners willing to host pop-ups in empty storefronts. Lastly, we should collaborate with landlords to explore a vacancy tax for chronically empty storefronts. Watch Sam talk more about his ideas for growing business in Oakwood here.
Sustainability: A more sustainable Oakwood means a more efficient Oakwood. Sustainable government practices and investments in efficient infrastructure promote better health and wellness, build community, and save money. Let’s build on the strength of our sustainability efforts in our parks and leisure services, public works, and public safety programs and develop a comprehensive plan to make Oakwood more environmentally sustainable for the future. Oakwood can expand its fleet of electric vehicles and explore options for curbside composting to add to our already robust recycling program. The city can also facilitate community forums on how we can address issues with our aging water system infrastructure. The system is nearing the end of its usable life and a new system will be needed. We need community input on how the city should pay for needed infrastructure changes. When we leverage the skills and talents of our citizens, anything is possible in Oakwood! You can read Sam’s responses to Green Oakwood’s candidate questionnaire here. Sam has also earned the endorsement of the Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund.
Safety: Oakwood is incredibly lucky to have a highly-trained, professional, and cost-effective Department of Public Safety. We are one of a few fully consolidated police and fire departments in the country. As a past participant in the Oakwood Citizen's Police Academy, Sam brings a deep appreciation for the work of our Public Safety Officers. He will support ongoing investment in professional development, up-to-date technology, and data-driven decision-making. By fostering partnerships with neighboring communities (including the University of Dayton) and prioritizing community outreach, we can ensure our department remains highly trained, well-equipped, and responsive to all who live in or visit Oakwood. He also brings a wealth of experience related to community safety as a former board member of the Anti-Defamation League. Resourcing our officers to engage in meaningful continuing professional development, community outreach, and research makes everyone safer who lives in or visits Oakwood.
Housing: Sam believes Oakwood’s strength comes from being a welcoming, inclusive community for all. His focus is on thoughtful, sustainable housing policies that preserves our neighborhood character while ensuring that families—seniors, young professionals, and lifelong residents alike—can find housing that meets their needs. Supporting diverse housing options does not mean compromising Oakwood’s values or quality (and it doesn't mean expanding low-income housing!). It means making sure our city is accessible to the folks who work in our community: teachers, first responders, and those who contribute to our community every day. Sam is committed to open dialogue and community engagement as we plan for Oakwood’s future together.