10/22/2026
My speech from this evening's Republican Party meeting...
Good evening, everyone!
Well, here we are. Just a couple of weeks away from Election Day!
When I started this journey, I knew running for mayor of Wytheville wasn't going to be easy, but I also knew why I needed to do it.
I care about this town. I care about the people who live here, and I believe the people of Wytheville deserve a local government that listens to them, respects their hard-earned tax dollars, and is accountable for the decisions it makes.
While on this journey, I've had the opportunity to meet some incredible people. I've knocked on doors, hosted meet and greets, sat through numerous interviews, attended lots of events, stood out in the cold and crazy wind holding signs, and had conversations with folks from all walks of life and you know what I've learned? People want to be heard. They want to know where their money is going. They want safe neighborhoods. They want to take their children to the park and know it's free of drug needles. They want to be able to walk down the sidewalks and not worry about their safety. They want their businesses to thrive. They want a town where their children and grandchildren can build a future and they want to know that the people making decisions at Town Hall haven't forgotten who they work for.
That's what this campaign has been about for me.
I didn't get into this race because I needed a title. I got into it because I believe public service ought to be exactly that- service to the public and part of serving the public is being transparent. People have a right to know how their tax dollars are being spent, why decisions are being made, and who's making them.
Transparency shouldn't be something citizens have to fight for. It ought to be the standard at Town Hall.
I've said throughout this campaign, "Real change. Not more of the same" but those aren't just words on a campaign sign. They represent the approach I've talked about bringing to local government.
I believe meaningful change requires a willingness to question how things have always been done, consider different approaches, and think outside the box and believe me, I do a whole lot of thinking outside the box! Just ask my wife, Heather. It drives her absolutely crazy sometimes, but that's how my mind works. I look at a problem and start asking questions.
Why are we doing it this way? Is there a better way? Can we accomplish the same thing without spending more of the taxpayers' money?
I don't believe in doing something a certain way simply because that's how it's always been done and I believe those are questions worth asking whenever we're making decisions that affect the people of Wytheville.
Now, before I go any further, I want to thank the Wythe County Republican Committee and everyone who has supported me throughout this campaign.
To those who have put up signs, shared posts, knocked on doors, made phone calls, offered encouragement, or simply stopped to shake my hand - thank you.
And to my wife, Heather, thank you for standing beside me through all of this. I couldn't have done it without you.
We've had some long days, some late nights, and plenty of adventures along the way, but I wouldn't trade the people I've met or the conversations I've had for anything.
As we head into these final two weeks, I'm going to keep doing what I've done from the beginning: listening, answering questions, and being straightforward with people about where I stand because whether it's before an election or after one, the people of Wytheville deserve honesty, transparency, and accountability from their elected officials.
On November 3rd, the voters will decide who they want to lead this town and throughout this campaign, I've made my vision for Wytheville clear. I've talked openly about the issues, answered questions, and made myself available to the people.
I believe every candidate seeking public office should be willing to do the same. Voters deserve to know where the people asking for their votes stand on the issues that affect their lives.
Regardless of the outcome, I'm grateful for the opportunity to have been part of the conversation about Wytheville's future.
Thank you again for your friendship, your encouragement, and everything you've done.
God bless you, God bless Wytheville, and God bless America!
