Owning My Biggest Regret

Over the last four years on council, there are certainly things I would have done differently. But one moment stands out above the rest as my biggest regret, and I believe it’s important to be honest about it.

During a live council meeting, I made an inappropriate comment that disparaged a local volunteer organization. The instant the words left my mouth, I knew it was wrong. Instead of correcting myself in that moment, I let the meeting continue.

The very next day, I was called out—by both Mayor Miller and by members of the organization. When the mayor phoned me and told me my remarks were in poor taste, I immediately agreed. I knew I had made a mistake, and I promised to apologize publicly at the next council meeting.

In the two weeks that followed, I also reached out directly to the president of the organization, even though we had never spoken before. He rightfully held me accountable, reminding me of the value and hard work that his volunteers contribute to our community. I listened, I apologized, and I assured him that I would take responsibility publicly as well. At the next council meeting, I stood by that commitment and made a full apology on the record.

To this day, I carry that mistake with me. I could give reasons—or excuses—for why my judgment slipped in that moment, but what matters more is that I accept responsibility. I believe that leadership is not about being perfect—it’s about being accountable when you fall short, learning from it, and striving to do better.

That moment remains my biggest regret of the past four years. But it has also strengthened my resolve to always be respectful, to think before I speak, and to lead with humility and integrity.