Why I Choose to Run: A Personal Story

5 minute read

When I think about why I decided to run for State Representative, my mind always goes back to the waiting room at the BMV. I was there to update my driver's license after purchasing our home in Ellettsville. While waiting, I started looking up who represented our family in the state government. That's when I found out that our current representative had been unopposed for many many years and, as of this post, has been in office since 2010. It struck me right then - term limits ensure our democracy is balanced fairly and that our community deserves a choice on our ballot, and I felt a strong pull to be that choice.

I've always been the kind of person who steps up when there's a need. My years as a first responder taught me the importance of being there for others, especially in their toughest moments. That experience, combined with my journey as a small business owner, has shown me the power of community and the value of hard work. I've seen firsthand how the decisions made by those in power can directly affect our daily lives, from the quality of our children's education to the strength of our local economy.

In our district, which includes areas like Monroe, Owen, Vigo, and Clay Counties and towns such as Spencer, Terre Haute, Stinesville, Clay City, Riley, Gosport, Center Point, Bowling Green, and Freedom, there's a unique blend of city and country life. This mix reminds me of my own small-town upbringing in Indiana. Here, I clearly see the diverse challenges we face, like job creation, supporting our small businesses, and making sure everyone has access to quality healthcare and education. These issues are more than just political talking points to me; they're a part of my daily life.

One late summer night, as a first responder, our ambulance received a call that I'll never forget. We rushed to a small, plain duplex at the town's edge, called to aid an elderly man in severe pain. The scene inside his home was heartbreakingly stark. The man, a frail and weak decorated veteran, lived in a space where bare walls, no furniture, and an almost empty fridge painted a picture of profound neglect. His only bed, a thin mattress, lay on the floor, symbolizing the loneliness and forgotten state he was in.

That night, I couldn't leave him alone in that state of abandonment. My partner and I stayed, determined to cut through the red tape that had failed him. It took hours, but we finally connected him with veterans affairs and adult protective services to provide him the resources and care that he fought for.

This experience was not unique. I have cared for children in neglect, veterans with PTSD, and families who have experienced loss, but this particular call changed me. It was more than a call to duty; it was a wake-up call to the failures in our system and the real people they affect. It underscored the need for compassionate, dedicated leaders who genuinely care for every community member.

This is why I am running for State Representative. To be a voice for the forgotten, like that veteran. To fight for those who can't. This campaign is about more than just politics; it's about people, ensuring no one in our community is left behind.

This is the heart of my campaign. I'm not here because of any personal political ambition. I'm here because I believe in service, in putting people first, and in solving problems, not just debating them. I want to bring back a sense of community focus to our politics, where listening and learning from each other is more important than party lines.

If you're looking for a politician who thrives on disrespecting others, I'm not that candidate. My commitment is to a different kind of politics – one where respect, dialogue, and understanding are at the forefront. I believe in engaging with everyone, regardless of their views, in a manner that upholds dignity and fosters constructive conversation. My goal is to bring people together, not drive them apart with harsh words or divisive tactics. This campaign is about building bridges, not burning them, and ensuring that every voice is heard and valued.

So, as I knock on doors and meet people across our district, I'm reminded of why this campaign is so important. It's about giving a voice to those who feel unheard and bringing real, positive change to our corner of Indiana. It's about ensuring that our kids grow up in a community that cares, that supports them, and that provides opportunities for them to succeed.

I invite you to join me in this journey. Whether it's by sending an email, sharing a coffee, or simply having a chat, your voice, your story, and your support are what drive this campaign forward. Together, we can make a difference for all communities in our district and show that in our community, people always come first.