When I made the decision to run for Lafayette City Council, I also decided to neither solicit nor accept endorsements from any person or organization. While the small size of our community offers many advantages, the same persons tend to remain in leadership positions for many years. The historical practice of candidates relying on endorsements ensures that our new leaders have the same perspectives and ideas as the old ones. Organizations and special interest groups also dangle endorsements in exchange for a candidate's support of particular goals, such as increasing development or supporting new taxes.

I seek to bring a new and independent voice to city leadership, not one that is beholden to persons or organizations that have offered endorsements. I also believe that we must guard against insular thinking, and need fresh ideas and perspectives to solve the challenges currently facing us. I encourage voters to compare candidates' ideas rather than tally up the number of endorsements that have been collected as you decide how to cast your votes in this election.