For years, Clermont has not simply been a place I serve - it has been home. A community built on faith, resilience, family and opportunity. A city where neighbors still care about neighbors, where small businesses grow, where families choose to plant roots and where champions are made.

My story is deeply rooted in Clermont. I was born and raised in Clermont as the fifth child of twelve children of hardworking parents who were sharecroppers. Growing up in a large family taught me the value of sacrifice, faith, humility, perseverance and hard work. We may not have had many material things, but we were rich in discipline, love, respect and community values. Those lessons shaped who I am and continue to guide how I lead today.

Ongoing advanced education became one of the pathways that helped prepare me for leadership and service. I earned three Associate of Arts degrees, a bachelor's degree in management/human resources and a Master of Business Administration degree. I have always believed that learning is a lifelong process and that leadership should be built on preparation, vision and the willingness to grow.

My journey to serving as Mayor of Clermont has always been grounded in one simple belief: leadership is about service.

As a 22-year veteran of the United States Air Force and Desert Storm veteran, I learned early that leadership requires sacrifice, integrity, discipline and the willingness to put people before self. Those lessons shaped my life and continue to guide every decision I make as your mayor.

In addition to my military service, I proudly served for 22 years in the United States Postal Service, where I learned the importance of consistency, accountability, dedication and serving people every single day. Whether in uniform, serving postal customers or serving as your mayor, I have always believed in showing up, working hard and serving the community with honor.

Service to this community has never been limited to one position or title. Throughout the years, I have been blessed to serve alongside many dedicated leaders and organizations that work every day to uplift our community. I was honored to be one of the founders of the Boys and Girls Club of South Lake and have served on numerous boards and organizations including Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Lake Apopka Natural Gas District, New Jacob's Chapel Missionary Baptist Church Board of Trustees, East Ridge Middle School Student Advisory Committee, Lake and Sumter County Boys and Girls Club Board of Director, South Lake Boys and Girls Club Advisory Board and as President of Christian Men in Action Community Development, Inc.

I am also a proud member of the Kiwanis Club of Clermont, VFW Post 5277, New Jacob's Chapel Missionary Baptist Church Male Chorus and the Clermont Historic Society. These organizations represent service, fellowship, mentorship, patriotism and faith, values that have remained central throughout my life.

These experiences have allowed me to work with young people, families, churches, educators, civic leaders, veterans and community partners who all share the same desire - to make our Clermont and South Lake County community stronger for future generations.

When I first asked for your trust and support, I promised to lead with transparency, honesty, vision and heart. Together, we have worked to strengthen Clermont while preserving the character and values that make Clermont special. We have focused on improving quality of life, supporting strong economic growth, investing in infrastructure, enhancing public safety and building partnerships that prepare Clermont for the future.

Clermont story is still being written.

Clermont is growing, evolving and gaining recognition across the state and nation as a destination for families, athletes, entrepreneurs and visitors. With growth comes both opportunity and responsibility. We must continue planning wisely, protecting our neighborhoods, supporting our first responders, improving traffic and transportation, expanding recreational opportunities and ensuring that future generations inherit a Clermont even stronger than the one we enjoy today. Partnering with developers to manage a positive win-win situation for them and Clermont residents will continue to be key to meeting the challenges and opportunities of successful growth. 

My mayorship has not and this campaign is not about politics. It is about people.

It is about the senior citizen who wants to age in a safe and welcoming community. It is about the small business owner chasing a dream. It is about parents raising children in neighborhoods filled with opportunity. It is about our veterans, our teachers, our healthcare workers, our city employees and every resident who calls Clermont home.

I believe leadership should unite people, not divide them. I believe progress works best when we listen to one another and move forward together. And I believe that with faith, vision and collaboration, the best days of Clermont are still ahead of us.

Throughout my time as mayor, I have worked to be visible, accessible and engaged - not just at meetings and ceremonies, but in the everyday life of our community. Because serving Clermont is more than a title to me; it is a calling.

As I seek reelection, I humbly ask for your continued trust and support. Together, we can continue building a Clermont that honors its history, embraces innovation, protects its values and inspires future generations. 

Clermont is much more that the Choice of Champions.

It is a city on a hill with a purpose.

A city if promise.

A city worth fighting for.

And with your support, we will continue moving Clermont forward - together.