Since taking office, I have tried to keep the City Council informed through regular Mayor’s Updates, financial reports, project summaries and supporting documents.

I am combining those updates into one public document because I believe residents should be able to see what information has been provided, when it was provided and how the City’s financial picture and projects have developed over time.

Mayors-Updates-2026

I do my best every day to fulfill the responsibilities of the office I was elected to hold. That includes managing the day-to-day operations of the City, preparing financial information, developing projects, identifying funding options and giving the Council the information it needs to make decisions.

Not every issue can be discussed publicly the moment it arises. Some matters involve employees, litigation, contracts or other legal concerns. When legal review is needed, I share information after it has been reviewed by legal counsel and when it can be responsibly released.

My role is not to make every decision by myself. My role is to do the work necessary to bring informed options before the Council.

That means researching costs, identifying funding sources, reviewing legal requirements, speaking with engineers, financial professionals, department heads and vendors and preparing alternatives for consideration.

At times, I have simply allowed sales representatives or other professionals to present their proposals directly to the Council. Allowing someone to present an option does not mean that option is part of my plan. I may like parts of it. I may believe it deserves consideration. I may also believe there is a better way to accomplish the same goal.

A presentation is not a commitment. An option is not a plan. A discussion is not a final decision.

There is much more to my plan than what has appeared on any single agenda.

I am working on a larger post that will lay out my goals, the projects already underway, the options available to us and the work still ahead. It should not surprise anyone that it is the same basic plan I campaigned on: stronger public safety, better roads and infrastructure, responsible growth, improved parks, sound financial management and a City government that plans ahead instead of reacting at the last minute.

I intend to continue pursuing that plan.

I also want residents to see that government can walk and chew gum at the same time. We can improve parks while planning a fire station. We can repair roads while modernizing financial systems. We can pursue grants while preparing for future capital needs. We can address immediate problems while still building a long-term plan.

There should be a primary plan and there should be alternatives. There should be schedules, cost estimates and funding options. There will also be delays, legal questions, failed grants, unexpected expenses and setbacks.

A setback does not mean the plan has stopped. It means we adjust and keep working.

The core mission remains the same: provide for the people of Margaret, protect the City’s financial position and build the services and infrastructure our growing community needs.

I cannot promise that every proposal will pass or that every project will move as quickly as I would like. I can promise that I will continue doing the work, preparing the options, providing the information and pushing Margaret forward.

In the end, I hope the people of Margaret can see the difference between those who are working and those who are simply talking.