Protect Essential Services First
Public safety, roads, utilities, maintenance, and other core services should be funded before optional expansions or prestige projects. A disciplined budget begins with the services residents rely on every day.
A Two-Year Property-Tax Moratorium
I will vote no on every property tax increase for the next two years. Residents deserve a moratorium on the current spending spree. The city should use that time to reset priorities, identify savings, and prove that existing revenue is being managed responsibly before asking taxpayers for more.
Evaluate the Full Cost
The purchase price is only the beginning. Before approving a facility, program, development agreement, or capital project, the council should understand staffing, maintenance, financing, replacement, and infrastructure costs over its full life.
No New Debt—Invest in Existing Infrastructure
I do not support issuing new city debt. Farmington should maintain, renovate, and make full use of the facilities and infrastructure taxpayers already own before creating new projects. The current police-station proposal contemplates up to $25 million in bonds. By my calculation, financing that amount would create roughly $37 million in total liabilities and could add about $20 per month to a typical property-tax bill. I will vote no on that borrowing and pursue practical alternatives that invest in existing infrastructure.
Do Not Chase Revenue at Any Cost
Economic development should strengthen Farmington, not become a response to budget pressure. When city finances are disciplined, the council can judge a proposal on its merits instead of feeling forced to accept nearly any project that promises new tax revenue.
Make the Budget Understandable
Residents should be able to see where money is going, why costs are rising, and what outcomes the city expects. I support plain-language budget communication, measurable goals, and regular public reporting.
Responsible spending means stopping tax increases, rejecting new debt, maintaining what taxpayers already own, and requiring city government to live within its means.