1. Why did you decide to run for trustee?
I have spent most of my life in Manhattan, IL. Many of my childhood friends, along with their parents, still call this town home. I also live in a newer subdivision where many residents have recently moved here from other communities. I want to be a voice for both long-time locals like me and new residents. At 34, I proudly represent the average and median age of Manhattan’s population, which is in the mid-30s.
2. Have you held public office before?
No, I have not.
3. What is your background (length of time lived in Manhattan, education, career)?
My family moved to Manhattan in 1997 when I was six. I attended St. Joseph’s Catholic School until 2005 and graduated from Providence Catholic High School in 2009. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Health Science from Bradley University in 2013 and completed my Doctorate in Physical Therapy at the University of New England in 2016. My wife, Mary, and I returned to Manhattan in 2019, and we are now raising our son here. I currently serve as a physical therapist at Athletico Physical Therapy, originally established by John Campbell in 2006.
4. What community involvement, organization, affiliations, or club memberships do you have?
I am actively involved with the Men of St. Joseph, contributing to various community projects and supporting St. Joseph’s Church and School. Professionally, I am a member of both the American Physical Therapy Association and the Illinois Physical Therapy Association. At Athletico, I also serve as a member of our internal Political Action Committee, where we monitor state and federal legislation impacting physical therapy. Recently, our team traveled to Washington, D.C., to join the American Physical Therapy Association in meeting with several members of the House of Representatives to discuss reimbursement cuts and supervision requirements for physical therapy assistants.
5. What characteristics, qualifications, or experience do you feel you possess to be trustee?
My background, experience, and commitment to leadership uniquely qualify me to serve as Trustee for Manhattan. As a lifelong resident, I have an intimate understanding of our community’s needs and values. My journey in leadership began early with roles in Student Council and has continued through my active involvement with local organizations like the Men of St. Joseph.
Professionally, my work as a physical therapist has honed my discipline, communication, and problem-solving skills — qualities that are essential for effective governance. Serving on Athletico’s Political Action Committee has also given me valuable insight into fiscal responsibility and strategic decision-making.
Additionally, I am approachable and maintain a wide social circle, which helps me connect with and represent a diverse range of residents. As a physical therapist in Manhattan, I have the privilege of hearing directly from residents of all ages and backgrounds, listening to their concerns and ideas. I am dedicated to transparency, collaboration, and ensuring our community thrives while preserving Manhattan’s unique character.
6. How can the village improve?
I believe our village’s continued success depends on maintaining transparency and genuinely listening to residents’ needs. Over the past four years, I have been encouraged by the increased openness in our local government, which has helped build trust and strengthen our community. However, there is always room for improvement. I envision an even more transparent process where every resident feels heard and valued. By embracing this approach, we can continue to grow together, ensuring that our decisions reflect the best interests of all who call our village home.
7. What are important issues you’d like to address and how will you address them?
First and foremost, the Northpoint project must be stopped. My slate and I were recently endorsed by the Stop Northpoint group, and we are committed to continuing current litigation efforts — grounded in established precedent — to prevent this project from moving forward.
Additionally, we need to enhance pedestrian safety. With many walkers and runners in town, our growing community requires safer roads. I also support improving Eastern Avenue from Smith Road to North Street, especially with the new fire station being built, to ensure safe passage for both vehicles and pedestrians.
Lastly, many residents have expressed a desire for a local pharmacy. The loss of Doc’s Pharmacy years ago has forced residents to fill prescriptions elsewhere. Reinstating a local pharmacy would greatly benefit everyone in Manhattan.
8. If elected, do you intend to make any changes with village staff, such as the administrator, finance, or police chief?
No.
9. Do you have a plan to meaningfully impact property taxes, and if so, what is it?
Yes, I am open to welcoming new locally-owned businesses that would provide residents with more options while also helping to increase tax revenue. My team and I have also discussed implementing a potential rebate program for the village portion of tax bills, which could provide additional benefits to our community.
10. Why did you choose or choose not to run in a slate?
I chose to run in a slate because all of us share a similar vision for Manhattan. We can achieve more by working together as a team