09/16/2025
I apologize for being late in the day for a response. I've been trying to get 2k photos out to over 100 junior rodeo athletes and families on a day off of teaching.
Regarding comments made at the Oakdale City Council meeting last night. Any comments that condone, encourage or celebrate violence are unacceptable. I do not care what the comment is about, but wishing harm on any human being is not an appropriate response to a difference of opinion. We should have empathy, concern and compassion for all of those that are victims of violence and their families. Nobody deserves that, solely based on a stance on an issue. We all have the right to free speech and as an attorney and an instructor of constitutional law, I truly believe in our rights given to us. Many have died over the years to protect those rights. I've dedicated my entire career to public service and giving back to a community is one of my highest priorities.
Today's world is so divided it hurts. I don't remember a time in my life where disagreeing with someone over a political position turned into what it has the last few years. Many of you reading this remember a time that it was ok to disagree......where has that time gone? I think back to 24 years ago.....what was our country doing on September 16, 2001? We were coming together as a country because we were attacked. It didn't matter if you were white, brown, black, republican, democrat, we came together as a country to support everyone. Why can't we do this today to make the world a better place for our children. That's all a parent wants.....to make this world better for our kids.
I ran for city council as a resident of Oakdale. Not a member of a political party. My job is to make decisions that I believe that are best for our amazing community. For the past 10 months I believe I have been doing just that. My career in government has taught me that you will never have 100% agreement on any issue and that is why I like talking to many of our residents, regularly about issues that impact Oakdale. Our community is full of absolutely amazing people who are dedicated to keeping Oakdale a great community. I'm absolutely proud to represent the city of Oakdale and be associated with it's staff.
I'll end with this.....I'd rather have a conversation with you in person that back and forth on social media. Social media has never changed an opinion or solved an argument/disagreement. Honestly, in the world today, if it wasn't for my photography, I'd probably be off of social media. It divides and doesn't bring us together.
If you want to have further conversation about this, please reach out to me. My email is [email protected] or you can contact me at 209-505-8327
Send a message to learn more
