Twelve years ago, my wife Debbie and I chose to relocate to Upper Arlington and it was the best decision we have ever made. Upper Arlington is one of those rare places that truly epitomizes the best America has to offer.

After launching a successful business in Southern California, we knew we belonged back in Ohio and UA. As a lawyer and small business owner, we could have chosen any city in Central Ohio in which to raise our family. But there was something about UA that made the decision to relocate here that much easier. UA is a safe community with excellent schools, parks and libraries. The sense of community and civic pride can be found in every neighborhood through the residents that generously donate their time, effort, talent and funds to help make this city great.

While working my way through both the University of Notre Dame and Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, I learned the importance of hard work and discipline.

My community service includes the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Development Board, Knights of Columbus, and volunteer work at a local soup kitchen and we are active members at St. Agatha parish. I support the UA Civic Association and have helped raise funds in The Walk and many UA School associated funding efforts. I have also been active in my neighborhood as the Guilford Road 4th of July float chairman and leader of annual street events.

Several years ago I led the initiative against the privatization of the UA trash system. I felt passionately about the issue and felt compelled to try and do something about it. I learned a great deal about the city and the need for each of us to become actively involved with local decisions. I believe that, as a city, its leaders can do more to make the city even better than it is today. I met some incredible residents and learned to appreciate and love UA even more from the experience. I hope to use the same passion and dedication to represent the residents of Upper Arlington as a City Council member.

Debbie and I have been married for 19 years now and Jack is in the 7th grade at Jones Middle School and Sam is in 5th grade at Barrington Elementary. We lost our daughter Macy to cancer eleven years ago.

There truly is no place we would rather live, and my decision to run for City Council is based on my desire to give back to the city that has welcomed me and my family with open arms.