Dupont has always been a town built by working people. The shift workers, the small business owners, the nurses, the teachers, the mechanics — neighbors who get up early, put in long hours, and do whatever it takes to support their families. I’ve lived that life myself, working as a chef for over a decade. I know what it feels like to come home tired but proud, hands sore, knowing you’ve earned your living.

But I also know how tough it’s gotten. Costs keep climbing, while paychecks don’t stretch as far as they used to. Families are juggling multiple jobs just to keep the lights on. Parents worry about keeping their kids busy and safe after school, or whether they can afford to stay in the very town they grew up in.

Respect for working families isn’t about slogans — it’s about action. It means making sure borough fees are fair and predictable, so families aren’t blindsided by new costs. It means keeping basic services reliable — trash pickup, plowing, street maintenance — so people can focus on their lives, not fight with Borough Hall. It means expanding partnerships for after-school programs, recreation leagues, and community events so kids have positive places to learn, grow, and belong.

It also means making sure borough schedules and decisions reflect the realities of working families. Meetings should be held at times when people can actually attend. Town halls should be open, not rushed. The voices of those who keep this town running need to be heard and respected.

As Mayor, I’ll always stand with the people who make Dupont what it is — the families who put in the hours, raise their kids here, and give this town its heartbeat.

Because when working families thrive, Dupont thrives.