I’ve spent the last 10 years working in documentary films where I’ve learned the skills of working together, the art of negotiating and an understanding of how to get things done.
I was raised on Park Street in Holyoke, which is now Clemente Avenue. My mother worked at Steigers and went to HCC as did my father and myself years later. I remember Holyoke’s past but look to the future.
I have 2 daughters who live in Westfield MA and go to high school there. Destiny lives by her music and plays soccer while Courtney is a singer and performer in every sense of the word.
My wife Debra, who is the co-director of our business VegaYoga and Movement Arts was born in America’s Heartland, Fort Wayne, Indiana and was a 4 season Radio City Rockette in New York city.
Debra and I plan to raise a family here and that is what motivates us to do good in the city; to be helpful for the future and be proactive for the present.
Why I Ran For City Council
I ran for City Council because the city of Holyoke is my home and I believe we can do better to make this city prosper again. I have the desire to be an active member in building a city that is safe, vibrant and inviting to all people. This is the city where I want raise my family, grow my business and continue to call home.
I bring to the City Council a fresh voice and new ideas. I bring new energy, a willingness to learn and a positive “can do” attitude. I am driven to make our city better.
My strengths are my ability to listen and to negotiate. There are great things happening in Holyoke today; I call it the Holyoke Wave. The time is now to ride that wave and make those moves toward the future we all want for our city. I will work to bring in jobs, create a better learning environment for our children, build a safe and vibrant downtown, create affordable housing options and have open and transparent municipal leadership.
I believe the obstacles facing our city can be opportunities for innovative solutions. I will work at bringing all of our leaders to the table, searching out the answers that benefit the city as a whole. I know that Holyoke can one day be the “urban core” of the Pioneer Valley.
Finally, I ran for City Council because I believe I can help put this city on the right track for the 21st Century.
