Protecting Local Control & Accountability
Bishop's strength has always been local decision-making by people who live here and answer to the voters. Right now, proposals are moving forward that would shift power away from the elected City Council and reduce the voice of surrounding residents. Here's what's happening and where I stand.
A Major Power Shift Before the Election
Bishop currently operates under a Council-Administrator form of government. The elected City Council appoints the City Administrator and key officers, giving residents a direct line of accountability through the people they vote for.
A proposal now moving forward would shift Bishop to a Council-Manager form of government. Under this structure, an appointed City Manager would gain authority to hire and fire the Police Chief, City Clerk, and most staff. The Council would mainly retain the power to fire the Manager.
This concentrates significant day-to-day power in one unelected position.
This idea was considered in 2019 and was not adopted. It is now being advanced only four months before the November 2026 election.
"I oppose this change. In a small town like Bishop, residents deserve direct accountability from the people they elect. Concentrating day-to-day hiring and firing power in one unelected position reduces transparency and weakens local control."
Reducing Representation for Surrounding Areas
In 2025 the City Council reduced the Planning Commission from seven members — which could include residents from outside the city limits — to five members who must live inside the city.
Many residents who live just outside the city limits are still affected by Bishop's land-use decisions. Limiting eligibility to serve on the Commission narrows the range of community perspectives.
"I believe land-use decisions that affect the whole Bishop community should include perspectives from both inside and outside the city limits. Narrowing the Commission reduces representation."
Cost of Living Pressure — Water & Sewer Rates
New water and sewer rates took effect July 1, 2026. A typical single-family combined bill rose about 21% in the first year. Some commercial customers have reported larger increases under the new square-footage categories. Recent adjustments that lowered rates for churches and certain grocery stores are positive corrections.
"Utility costs are a real cost-of-living issue for families and small businesses. I support fair rates, clear explanations, and quick fixes when classifications are wrong — while keeping the systems financially healthy."
"If elected, I will work to keep decision-making power close to the people who live here, demand clear explanations when big structural changes are proposed, and protect Bishop's small-town character and accountability."