The growth of existing businesses and the development of new businesses is the core issue of this campaign.  Springfield cannot achieve its full potential if we do not consistently recruit the types of businesses that pay salaries that enable home ownership and create generational wealth.

Our City has made big splashes with the arrival of MGM Springfield, CRRC, the Springfield Thunderbirds, and other marquee names. However, we need more small and medium sized businesses to lure professionals to our City. 

I would propose the establishment of our own municipal Economic Opportunity Zones.  Working in conjunction with our mayoral administration, area workforce agencies, and business leaders, Springfield can establish business startup incentives in key areas to ensure quality businesses succeed in EVERY NEIGHBORHOOD!

While we work to create the environment for businesses to thrive, I’ll also hold businesses accountable. MGM Springfield receives more than $15M in tax breaks annually - money that could be used to keep Springfield affordable. I will work tirelessly to ensure MGM meets their commitments.

Our City hosts a half dozen colleges and universities, but has not established itself as a technology hub for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) careers, which pay some of the highest salaries.  I will fight for good paying jobs that will attract and retain area students to establish themselves in our cities.