07/01/2025
As Mayor of the City of McDonough, I am committed to fostering respectful, inclusive, and constructive dialogue as we continue to evolve as a community.
There has been recent public commentary regarding activity on the McDonough Square, particularly in connection with ongoing discussions about the proposed smoking and noise ordinances.
While individuals are entitled to express their perspectives, we must avoid narratives that mischaracterize others or create unnecessary division within our community.
We must protect the integrity of our process and our progress.
The McDonough Square is a shared space; historic, beloved, and open to all. As a city, we value every business, every resident, and every visitor. Whether new to the Square or deeply rooted, all are welcome and all are heard.
Our responsibility as an electorate is to ensure that every policy we consider is rooted in fairness, guided by public interest, and reflective of the diverse voices that make up our community.
It would be naïve not to acknowledge that some proposals can raise questions about motivation. At times, what begins as a policy discussion may also carry personal weight. But once a matter enters the public space, it rightfully becomes a broader conversation. And in this case, real and valid concerns have been raised, concerns about public health, quality of life, and the shared experience of our downtown. Those deserve to be heard and addressed, regardless of how the discussion began.
Last night’s meeting was a powerful example of good governance, people coming together to express concerns, seek clarity, and engage in thoughtful debate. It brought to life the principle in scripture: “Come, let us reason together.” In every meaningful dialogue, there is a spectrum of perspectives, and our role as leaders is not to eliminate disagreement but to help guide the conversation toward common ground.
As we move forward, we must continue to create space for open, transparent discussion, free of assumptions and full of purpose. The future of McDonough does not rest on who speaks the loudest, but on how well we listen, how fairly we lead, and how boldly we commit to building a city that works for everyone.
With Love
