Candidate for
Council Member; City of Perris

Most people regard Perris, California as little more than a small town in the middle of nowhere. However, I see a city that has immeasurable potential once all its residents work together to improve the community. Asking how I can alleviate my hometown's problems has driven my life. My conviction that an active citizen can push for positive social change has guided my academic and personal pursuits.

My roots in Perris run deep. In 1940, my grandparents relocated to the city to escape the economic hardship that plagued their lives in Louisiana; my father - the last of eleven children - was born the following year. I grew up on east Seventh Street surrounded by countless relatives and family friends.

I joined First Baptist Church of Perris in 1992 and was baptized the following year. At First Baptist, I served as a junior usher and young deacon.

I attended Perris-area elementary schools, Pinacate Middle School, and graduated from Perris High, as its valedictorian, in 2004. Perris has a special place in my family and we all have a stake in its future.

I earned a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from Stanford University in 2008. At Stanford, I decided to major in political science, since this course of study would empower me with ways to discover answers for the nation's pressing problems.

While at Stanford, I joined the United States Navy Reserves. Through hard work and determination, I became a highly influential member of NSF Monterey. As my unit's line coach, I was instrumental in the safety and supervision of our unit's gun range. In fact, I helped qualify over 20 unit personnel on the 9mm service pistol, M-16 rifle and 12GA shotgun on several occasions.

Serving as a counselor at a local community center's summer day camp in 2007 rejuvenated my interest in the community; I realized that the children needed an advocate to show them that there was more to life than their surroundings. Near the end of that summer, I concluded that a legal education would allow me to fight for my community. I continued my education at Stanford Law School, and earned a law degree in 2011.

In August 2011, I deployed with a Navy Expeditionary Unit to Newport, Rhode Island, and later to the United Arab Emirates. Having passed the Bar exam on my first attempt, I swore-in to the California Bar while in the Middle East. I received an Honorary Discharge from the Navy in December 2013.

I returned to Perris early last year, and have operated my own business since then. I quickly realized that the average working man and woman lacked representation on our council.

I became intimately involved in local affairs after the Perris City Council voted to change its election year from even years to odd. Therefore, the City would have held the current 2014 election in 2015. By voting to move the election year, our Council members essentially extended their terms of office. I joined with numerous voter registration and community organizations to demand that the Council keep our City's municipal elections on even-numbered years. Ultimately, after much lobbying on our part, the Council voted to keep its elections on even-numbered years. I am the only Perris Council candidate to publicly demand that the Council listen to voters' wishes.

During the fall of 2013, I spearheaded an effort to protest the City's proposed water rate increase. Our small group knocked on over 500 doors and collected nearly 1,110 signatures against the rate increase. We ultimately mobilized over 200 residents to attend the council meeting which culminated in the Council deciding not raise water rates on its downtown residents. Canvasing the City imparted me with a greater understanding of citizen concerns. Our most economically disadvantaged residents lacked an advocate on our council.

My service in the Navy, legal career, Stanford University education, and Perris upbringing, have solidified my commitment to public service and, in particular, serving the residents of the City of Perris. I am committed to not merely governing the City, but transforming it; I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to represent you on the Perris City Council.