Trust in local government starts with transparency. Residents deserve to know how decisions are made, where their money is going, and what plans are in place for the future of Vineyard. Many feel that too much of what happens in government takes place behind closed doors, leaving the public out of critical conversations. Transparency is not just a word or a slogan—it is a policy, and it must be treated as such. It requires real, enforceable measures to ensure that residents have access to information and a meaningful voice in the decisions that affect their lives.

One of the key steps to increasing transparency is making public meetings more accessible and ensuring that important decisions are communicated clearly. Vineyard should actively seek public input and provide easy-to-understand breakdowns of budgets, development plans, and policy changes. This means not only posting information online but also engaging with residents in meaningful ways—through town halls, Q&A sessions, and direct communication.

As a City Council member, I will advocate for proactive transparency measures that put information in the hands of the people. Government should work for the residents, not the other way around. Vineyard has an incredible community of engaged and passionate citizens, and they deserve a government that is open, honest, and accountable. When residents are informed and involved, better decisions are made, and trust in local leadership grows. That is the kind of city government I will fight for.