Ongoing Priorities for Daphne’s Future

As Daphne continues to grow, my focus remains on the priorities that matter most to our families, neighborhoods, and future. From safer streets and stronger infrastructure to support for public safety and recreation, these ongoing efforts are rooted in listening to our residents and delivering real results.

  • 1. Keeping Pace with Growth
    Daphne is one of the fastest growing cities in Alabama and the Eastern Shore area. This rapid residential and commercial development places significant demands on infrastructure:

    • Roads & Traffic: Many local streets and intersections are experiencing higher traffic volumes, requiring upgrades like additional turn lanes, traffic signals, or roundabouts to maintain safety and flow.

    • Sidewalks & Pedestrian Access: As new neighborhoods emerge and existing ones expand, connecting them safely with sidewalks and pedestrian crossings has become a top priority. Many residents express a strong desire for more walkability.

    2. Drainage & Stormwater Management
    Because of Daphne’s topography and proximity to Mobile Bay, effective stormwater management is critical. Heavy rain events can overwhelm older drainage systems, leading to localized flooding and erosion. Continued investment in culvert upgrades, detention basins, and green infrastructure helps protect property and water quality.

    3. Long-Term Planning & Maintenance
    It is not just about new projects. Maintaining existing infrastructure is equally important:

    • Resurfacing aging roads and repairing potholes extends their lifespan.

    • Routine maintenance of public facilities like parks, fire stations, and city buildings ensures they serve residents for decades.

    4. Preparing for the Future
    As Daphne grows, the city must plan for tomorrow’s needs today. That often means:

    • Collaborating with ALDOT on highway projects (like Hwy 181 or 98 improvements).

    • Investing in smart traffic systems to adapt to future congestion.

    • Exploring broadband expansion or public-private partnerships to improve digital infrastructure.

    • Planning for electric vehicle charging infrastructure or alternative energy readiness.

    5. Funding & Partnerships
    Infrastructure is expensive. Daphne relies on a mix of city funds, state and federal grants, and partnerships (such as with the Baldwin County Commission or ALDOT) to move projects forward. Responsible growth means making sure impact fees, developer contributions, and capital planning align so that existing taxpayers are not overburdened.

    6. Enhancing Quality of Life
    Ultimately, infrastructure is not just concrete and pipes. It directly shapes residents’ daily lives. Well-maintained roads reduce vehicle wear, sidewalks connect neighborhoods, reliable utilities support homes and businesses, and good stormwater systems keep yards and streets dry. All of this makes Daphne more attractive to families and businesses.

  • A safe community is essential to the long-term health and success of our city. Having a strong police, fire, and emergency medical service protects families, supports local businesses, and builds the trust that keeps Daphne growing. That is why supporting our police, fire, and emergency services remains one of my top priorities.

    1. Strong Police and Fire Departments

    We are fortunate in Daphne to have outstanding police officers and firefighters who work around the clock to keep our community safe. Continued investment in staffing, training, equipment, and facilities is essential so they can maintain the high level of service that residents expect as our city continues to grow.

    2. Improving Emergency Medical Response

    Not long ago, ambulance response times in Daphne could range from 30 minutes to over an hour. I was the first elected official in Baldwin County to take on this critical issue. Those delays were simply not acceptable for a city of our size. Through focused work and new partnerships, we have completely changed the picture. Today, Daphne is served by three ambulance services, each helping expand coverage throughout the city. With new stations in place and better coordination, average response times are now under 10 minutes. This is a major improvement that has already saved lives and led to better outcomes for residents and visitors alike.

    3. Leadership Built on Public Safety Experience

    I am the only candidate in this race who comes from a public safety background. With nearly 20 years of experience as a firefighter, paramedic, and flight nurse, I understand what our first responders face every day, both on the scene and back at home. This experience gives me a clear view of how important it is to build strong partnerships, keep response plans up to date, and make sure our emergency crews have the tools they need to do their jobs well.

    4. Supporting Mental Health and Families

    Caring for our first responders goes beyond providing equipment and training. Police officers, firefighters, and medics often carry heavy emotional burdens from what they see on the job. We need to ensure they have access to mental health resources that are designed for the unique challenges they face. It is also important to create a culture where reaching out for help is encouraged and never carries a stigma. By looking after their well-being, we are also taking care of the families who support them.

    5. Looking Ahead

    By continuing to invest in both our public safety departments and the people who serve in them, we can keep Daphne a safe and welcoming place for everyone. This work is never finished. It takes leadership that stands shoulder to shoulder with our first responders, making sure they have what they need to respond quickly and return home safely at the end of each day.

  • Our city employees are the backbone of Daphne’s essential services. They keep our streets maintained, our parks clean and inviting, our permits and inspections running smoothly, and so much more behind the scenes. Their work touches every resident, every day, whether it’s picking up household garbage, repairing sidewalks, or ensuring public spaces are safe and well-kept.

    To continue providing the level of service our growing community expects, we must invest in our workforce. Offering competitive pay and strong benefits is critical to attracting and keeping skilled, dedicated employees. When we support our city staff, we build a stable team that knows our community well, takes pride in their work, and delivers high-quality service year after year. It’s an investment that directly improves quality of life for everyone who lives and does business in Daphne.

  • I am a strong advocate for our parks and recreation. As a father of two, I see firsthand how important safe, welcoming playgrounds are for healthy childhood growth and development. Our children are our most important investment, and creating spaces where they can play, explore, and build friendships is vital for our community.

    That is why I led the effort to renovate historic Centennial Park in downtown Daphne, securing nearly $300,000 in improvements to breathe new life into this cherished space. I am committed to continuing this work by creating more places where families can come together and children can thrive.

    But it is not just about playgrounds. We also need clean, safe, and well connected passive parks that allow residents and guests to enjoy the natural beauty that makes Daphne so special. Adding pedestrian walking and running trails, safe bike paths, and expanded green spaces must remain a priority. I am grateful for the support of our mayor and council in moving forward with sidewalk construction in Lake Forest, a $750,000 investment that now connects the east and west sides of the neighborhood and continues to improve safe connectivity throughout our community. I will keep advocating for additional sidewalks in Lake Forest to ensure our largest neighborhood has even more ways for families to get outdoors, stay active, and enjoy all Daphne has to offer.

  • Protecting our environment is essential to preserving the quality of life we all enjoy in Daphne. Our beautiful bay, rich natural landscapes, and diverse wildlife are part of what makes this community so special. As our city continues to grow, we must balance development with thoughtful stewardship of our natural resources.

    The city of Daphne is fortunate to have strong partnerships with local environmental organizations such as the Mobile Bay National Estuary Program. They have invested millions of dollars into stormwater management projects right here in Lake Forest and throughout Daphne, helping protect our waterways. These partnerships are critical in keeping our natural systems healthy and resilient.

    Environmental protection also means maintaining green buffers, preserving our tree canopy, supporting responsible growth policies, and investing in sustainable infrastructure that serves both residents and the environment for years to come.

    Caring for our environment is not just about today. It is about making sure future generations can enjoy the same natural beauty and outdoor opportunities that have drawn so many families to call Daphne home. I am committed to keeping environmental protection a priority in every decision we make for our city.