ON THE ISSUES.
VALPO VALUES
Preserve What Makes Valpo, Valpo
Safe, Healthy, Connected Neighborhoods
Support for Families
A Government that Listens
Too often, major decisions are made with little transparency or meaningful public input. Jesse is committed to building a culture of listening at City Hall.
He will host regular listening sessions in every part of the city, not just during campaign season, but throughout his administration. Budgets, contracts, and planning documents will be made accessible and easy for everyday residents to understand. Jesse will establish clear, formal pathways for the public to weigh in on major city projects and spending decisions before they move forward.
He will also require full disclosure of any developer agreements, including whether public money, tax breaks, or city resources are involved, to ensure accountability and public trust.
Smart, Community-Centered Growth
Valparaiso is growing, but how we grow matters. Jesse believes development must reflect the needs of residents, not just outside interests or speculative projects. City planning should begin with the people.
As mayor, Jesse will promote responsible development that reflects the values and voices of Valpo residents, not just the goals of private developers. He will prioritize infrastructure upgrades in our existing neighborhoods rather than focusing solely on new builds that line the pockets of special interests. Green spaces, parks, and walkable areas will be protected as essential parts of what makes Valpo feel like home. New construction will be expected to respect the scale, character, and history of our neighborhoods, especially downtown, where so much of Valpo’s identity lives.
Most importantly, Jesse will uphold a “Fair Process First” standard: development proposals must include public notice, clear community benefit, and genuine opportunities for feedback before any deal is signed.
Jesse believes a great city supports people at every stage of life. Not just with words, but with real resources.
He will expand partnerships that increase access to affordable senior housing, transportation, and support services that help people age in place with dignity. For working families, Jesse will work to improve the clarity and responsiveness of city communication and explore opportunities to partner with schools, childcare providers, and nonprofits to better meet everyday needs. He will also focus on connecting young people to local career paths, so students growing up here can build a future without having to leave home to find opportunity. Finally, Jesse will support small businesses through fair zoning, reduced red tape, and city policies that encourage local hiring and long-term success.
Jesse believes every neighborhood should feel safe, supported, and well-connected. He will strengthen relationships between public safety departments and the communities they serve by promoting trust and communication.
He’ll invest in better sidewalks, lighting, and crosswalks near schools and parks, and support expanded mental health response options. Jesse will also prioritize clean water, safe housing, and basic infrastructure that keeps people healthy and neighborhoods strong.
Jesse understands that what makes Valparaiso special isn't its newest buildings; it’s our historic downtown, our local businesses, our community festivals, and the people who’ve made this city their home for generations and will continue to build their lives here.
He will stand up for downtown’s cultural and architectural identity, ensuring that historic properties and long-standing businesses are not pushed out or erased in the name of short-term beautification
Eminent domain should never be used as a shortcut to cosmetic change. PERIOD!
Jesse will insist that it be a last resort, used only when legally justified and guided by public input, fair compensation, and community values. He will continue to invest in the parks, gathering places, and local traditions that bring people together while working to ensure that Valpo remains a place where everyone feels they belong, regardless of race, income, age, ability, or background.
