As a surgeon in Stamford, I've spent my career helping people in their most critical moments. Now, I want to bring the same discipline, problem-solving and compassion to serving Stamford on The Board of Representatives. In the operating room, every decision matters. I am trained to make clear, thoughtful choices. This is the kind of representation and leadership our city needs when facing budget challenges, development decisions and public safety concerns. Surgery requires teamwork and collaboration. I know how to listen, respect every voice and work across differences-just as I will with city leaders, community groups and my neighbors I represent.

My top priority issue is ensuring economic growth while preserving quality of life for residents. The 2035 Plan for Stamford, while written with good intentions, has many flaws. "First do no harm", is a well-known tenet in medicine. The 2035 Plan for Stamford is the surgical equivalent of a heart transplant. If an organ donated is not thoroughly analyzed, it will lead to rejection and failure. My goal would be to have better communication between the Board of Representatives and the Planning Board. The 40 Board of Representatives together have a much better finger on the pulse of the City than the out-of-town consultants and planners hired by the City. Instead of having various departments siloed from each other, I would encourage the Mayor, Board of Representatives, Planning and Zoning Boards to collaborate. This way every citizen is represented, and the appropriate Boards and Executive branch can agree with and implement a plan.

I believe each District should be able to preserve their way of life. Westover and North Stamford are known for their tranquil, peaceful, more rural way of life. I believe the decision about where to add apartments and townhomes should be left to each District. I am very concerned that Stamford might not be able to handle many more apartments and townhomes even in areas where they exist already. We have had water shortages where water had to be piped in from other towns along the Merritt Parkway. Our sewage treatment facilities need to be assessed and most likely upgraded. Traffic has increased and has become dangerous to motorists, pedestrians and bike riders. And do we really think apartment dwellers will not own cars.? Our schools are failing as many students are not up to grade level. Education should be a priority. If we overburden our schools, it will only get worse. Surgeons are trained to triage and make tough decisions. But I have learned as a surgeon that I do not know all the answers, which is why we get second opinions. I am always willing to listen to others that can provide a reasonable alternative.

Developers should pay higher fees and should be prevented from using "in-lieu" fees to avoid providing affordable housing. An annual public report and an online public website that could show real-time updates on the funds' balances, commitments and results would ensure the money is spent fairly and openly. I also believe that the City should be attracting businesses to fill some of the empty commercial space to provide high paying jobs for our Stamford youth. "Affordable" is a relative term. If more of our young adults could get higher paying jobs that would make many housing options more affordable. Instead of trying to bring the price of rent down by massive development, it makes more sense to increase wages with high paying jobs. Then we avoid overdevelopment, put less strain on our infrastructure and schools, preserve our environment and provide our youth with a higher quality of life.