What kind of leadership does Erie need right now during these trying times? Is it someone who is about growing themselves or growing others? These questions are so important to me because Erie will always be the place I consider home. I am a proud, homegrown citizen of Erie. When people talk about things like eating Smith s hot dogs or enjoying a donut from Mighty Fine or Jack Frost, I fully understand what they say. A fun day at beautiful Presque Isle State Park or riding bikes through the Three Hills trails near McClelland Avenue gives me great memories of my childhood neighborhood. I have a solid connection to my Erie roots and understand that forward progression is very important to any city. Erie created and shaped a leader, and that is me.