My Bio
My Key Issues
Growth
When I moved to Knightdale the population was just over 6000 and the old timers were still mad about how the new residents of Planters Walk were crowding the town. I remember cheering at a swim meet when we found out Target was coming to town. In 2019 I moved across town to Knightdale Station, and we have grown to 21,000. Knightdale has changed, and I have changed. We must remember who we have been and be thoughtful about how we go forward. We have grown, but I am not sure we know who we are growing for.
Safety
In 2021 and 2022 stray bullets came across our property in Knightdale Station. In both cases we called the Knightdale police, and they were exceptional in their professionalism and support. However the guns were being discharged outside of their jurisdiction, and there was nothing they could do to prevent folks from target practice in a field on county property. Over the next five months I worked closely with neighbors, Knightdale PD, Wake Sheriff Department, and Wake County Commissioners to change Wake's Firearm Discharge Ordinance to 300 yards from a dwelling, strict backstop requirements, and penalties were increased from $50 to $500 fines. In this process I learned that most people want to do the right thing. By listening I discovered we had unique allies like the NRA who have very clearly defined specs for backstops. We found creative solutions like allowing neighbors to annually give written permission if they are shooting within 300 yards of a dwelling. Wake County Commissioners voted on a new firearm ordinance just days after Austin Thompson opened fire in Hedingham and on the Neuse River Greenway. I was on the greenway that night with my daughter just two miles south of the shooting. We were cleared off by police. Our ordinance would have had no impact on this event, but it was an important and courageous step in defining how gun owners legally fire their guns in Wake County. I am currently concerned about vigilantes posing as ICE or Homeland Security and doing harm. I worry that we at the local level have the primary responsibility of safety in our town, but the ordinances, laws, and orders may not come from our town and this can be very difficult to navigate. Specifically when law enforcement is masked, does not have clear uniforms, and does not follow due process, Miranda, or have a warrant. I am dedicated to supporting Knightdale PD, and leveraging my role as a council member to proactively build relationships where jurisdictions intersect and/or overlap.
Send Me a Message
Have questions or suggestions? I would love to hear from you!