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Age: 70

Occupation: Retired

Bio: I am a retired Marine Corps officer and business leader and have lived in Alexandria since 1998. I have taken on various leadership roles supporting residents and currently serve as Chair of The Coalition For A Livable Alexandria, a nonprofit I cofounded.

Rank the following issues from most to least important:

1. Ethics/transparency

2. Commercial tax diversity

3. Crime/safety

4. Affordable housing

5. Historic preservation

6. Environmental protection

7. Equity

8. Schools

9. Economy/inflation

10. Increasing density

What’s the biggest problem facing Alexandria right now?

Balancing the residential and commercial tax base to ease the disproportionate burden on residents.

What’s your top policy priority?

Reducing taxes for residents, maintaining Alexandria’s unique character and promoting an affordable mix of housing types while safeguarding our quality of life.

What qualifies you to be elected?

My extensive experience in leading large, complex organizations as both a Marine Corps officer and a business executive, coupled with a proven history of delivering results as a civic activist.

What’s the city’s biggest long-term challenge?

We are at a pivotal crossroads: Will Alexandria preserve its historic charm and varied neighborhoods, or will it become another indistinguishable overdeveloped part of Northern Virginia?

What is Alexandria’s greatest strength and how would you utilize it?

Alexandrians bring a wealth of diversity, education and experience. I intend to engage with, listen to and leverage the professional expertise within our community to address the challenges before us, irrespective of age or political beliefs.

How should the city work to diversify the commercial tax base?

We need to strike a balance between the tax base and sustainable economic development to close the affordability gap by attracting more than just low-wage service sector jobs; however, it also requires enhancing our public education system to draw higher-paying employers.

What policies would make Alexandria safer?

Priority funding should consistently focus on public safety, essential services and infrastructure.

Do you think Alexandria has too much density, about the right amount, or not enough?

As the city with Virginia’s highest population density, uncontrolled growth risks diminishing Alexandria’s unique charm, diverse neighborhoods and quality of life.

What should go into Potomac Yard now that the arena plan was pulled?

My goal is to ensure that the public, particularly residents, are involved in every stage of the plan whether it involves commercial ventures, new schools, parks or recreational areas.