We need leaders willing to set aside partisanship, stand up to corruption, build coalitions, and work alongside people for lasting, impactful change.
To achieve significant goals, a leader must possess certain traits. The first is the ability, and the willingness, to collaborate with people. This doesn’t mean working with everyone. I would not compromise with Ann Wheeler. Her ideology, determined to saturate Prince William County with data centers, was a challenge I was not afraid to confront.
But leadership requires discernment; choosing to work with people of integrity and values. Even when others differ in perspective or approach, the key is whether their conviction is rooted in doing what’s best for the community. Too often, politics devolves into nothing more than labeling, name-calling, and partisan division. That’s not how I’ve run my life, my businesses, or my campaign. My commitment is always to the best interests of our community.
On December 12, 2023, as I prepared my remarks on why the Board must reject the Prince William Digital Gateway, not only because of its dangers but also because of the illegal process behind it, I crossed paths with Deshundra Jefferson. She wanted to voice her opposition to the vote but was told by her leadership not to speak, since she would be sworn in as Chair in just twenty days. She asked me if I would read her statement into the minutes. I gladly cut my talking points short to stand in solidarity.
Overbuilding data centers in inappropriate locations is not a Republican or Democrat issue. This is a common sense issue about what is best for Prince William County. I am a conservative, limited-government Republican. Deshundra is a strong Democrat. But in that moment, during one of the most consequential votes in our county’s history, we found common ground and stood together.
And that’s what our county needs: leaders willing to set aside partisanship, stand up to corruption, build coalitions, and work alongside people for lasting, impactful change. I have been a vocal critic of Democrats on the Board when it comes to protecting the environment. I have also called out Republicans when I saw conflicts of interest and corruption.
At the end of the day, the people of Prince William County deserve leaders who put principle above politics, and the future of our community above party affiliation. This is the commitment I bring to my leadership, and it’s a commitment I will uphold if elected.
