WELCOME RICHFIELD RESIDENTS

ABOUT ME

I believe in balancing the conversation that has become increasingly driven by ideology rather than substance.

  • I will bring around a discussion grounded in realism on housing needs and opportunities as it impacts both the city and its residents.
  • We are a landlocked community of seven square miles. We need to be smart about our land development and include how regional actions (and inactions) impact us.
  • In this new time of COVID-19 we need to support, diversify, and stabilize our businesses and with that our tax base.

I am a resident of Richfield and Ward 2 going on 15 years. I am a member of the Caddo Nation, an American Indian tribe located in Oklahoma. I spent my youth splitting time between the Indian trust land and in the Boston area.

The main thing to know about me is that community involvement is part of my persona. I have learned, based on my diverse upbringing, that strong community involvement builds safety nets for all members.

During the week you will often find me at my home office working in the aviation industry. I am a 1984 graduate of the Spartan School of Aeronautics, I have found a career that makes a balance of home and travel that makes life always an interesting journey.

Barry with Flag

              

 

 

BELIEF STATEMENT

Below are some of the top concerns of the residents of Richfield that I learned of as I worked on the Richfield 2020 Comp Plan and Pillsbury Commons (housing) initiatives.  It was through those experiences that I decided to run for City Council and engage in smart dialogue with the other elected officials.

1. HOUSING

I believe in balancing a conversation that has become increasingly driven by ideology rather than substance. Richfield needs a measured approach to housing which both stabilizes affordable housing stock and offers attractive housing options for those looking to locate here. This flies in contrast to an all or nothing approach guiding council votes currently.

2. TAX BASE

The City of Richfield was intentionally developed as a residential city with little to no commercial or industrial. While it may have seemed good at the time, we have learned that tax revenue based solely on residential is not sustainable as housing stock ages and we are now landlocked of seven square miles with no open land to develop. In recent years, Richfield has done a good job adding growth to its commercial infrastructure but the citizens demand more as they embrace a more shop local lifestyle.

3. COVID-19

In a new time of COVID-19 we need to support, diversify, and stabilize our businesses and with that our tax base while also keeping an eye on and helping our most vulnerable citizens.