Q & A

How long have you been living in Aurora?
I have been living in Aurora for over 40 years. 

Married? Kids?
Yes, I’m married to my wife, Mireya, and we’ve been together for over 20 years. We have a son, Xavier, who’s a freshman at Waubonsie Valley High School, and we also hold the memory of our daughter, Ailani, who was taken from us too soon by bone cancer. In addition to our family, we’re lucky to have our dog, Winter, who brings much joy to our lives and always keeps us on our toes. 

Why are you running for the office?
I’m running for Alderman because I’ve spent over 40 years in this community, and it’s shaped who I am. As the only candidate who has lived here for more than four decades and raised a family here, I have a deep connection to Aurora. Growing up, I attended our public schools, enjoyed the local events, played in local sports leagues, worked my first job here, and have witnessed the city’s growth and change. I’ve always believed in Aurora’s potential.

My family and I have faced significant personal loss, but that experience has given me a renewed sense of purpose. Through my work in oncology, I’ve learned the value of compassion and understanding, and those are the qualities I want to bring to local government. 

Is there a particular issue that motivates you?
There are several issues that matter deeply to me, but if I had to choose the most pressing, it would be making our neighborhoods safer and strengthening the connection between local government and the people it serves.

Speeding and reckless driving have become real concerns in our community. I want to put practical solutions in place, like my proposed Community-Led Traffic Calming Program, with a focus on reducing speeding—especially near schools and in areas where many seniors live. But safety is just one piece of the puzzle.

What also drives me is the need for a more open and engaged local government. Right now, residents only get one meeting a year with their Alderman—that's not enough. I believe in regular conversations, not just once in a while, but consistently, so people know their voices are being heard. I want to make city council decisions easily accessible and provide regular updates on key issues so there’s no guessing about what’s happening in our Ward.

More than anything, I want to create a community where people feel like they have a real say in shaping the future of Ward 7. The way things are now, too many decisions feel like they’re made from the top down. That needs to change. By putting residents at the center of the decision-making process, we can ensure that policies reflect the needs and priorities of the people who actually live here.

At the end of the day, what motivates me most is the potential for real, positive change when we work together. By focusing on safety, transparency, and community involvement, we can build Ward 7 where people feel safe, informed, and proud to call home.
 

What’s your leadership style? 

My leadership style is collaborative, transparent, and community-focused. I believe that the best decisions come from listening to the people they impact the most. That’s why my approach is centered on open communication, regular engagement, and making sure every resident of Ward 7 has a voice in shaping our community’s future.

I believe leadership means not only being accessible to residents but also ensuring that their input leads to real results. Accountability, to me, isn’t just about listening—it’s about follow-through. Whether it’s addressing safety concerns, advocating for better services, or tackling everyday issues that affect our neighborhoods, I am committed to turning conversations into concrete solutions. 

At the core of my leadership style is a simple belief: government works best when it truly represents and listens to the people. By fostering an open and engaged community, we can create a lasting, positive change in Ward 7.