“When someone who doesn’t identify with a faith tradition steps forward to serve with integrity and compassion, it broadens the idea of who belongs in public life.”
“It’s important to show that people can live ethical, compassionate, service-driven lives without religious belief.”
"I believe in the capacity of all people to do good and to help each other, and being open about my nonreligious identity reinforces that."
“By being open about my nonreligious identity, I hope to normalize the idea that ethical leadership can come from diverse sources, whether religious or secular.”
Representing the 2nd Ward of the City of Wyoming, Michigan.
“My values are rooted in doing what is right because that is how we should care for our fellow humans, not because I’m afraid of what may or may not happen in some sort of afterlife, or to please a higher power.”
“Our ‘North Star’ for all decisions is, ‘what is best for our students?'”
“Although I know that a lot of my colleagues consult their religion when they look at policy, that just does not come up for me. Instead, my priorities are based in compassion and sustainability…”
"I highlighted the importance of secular governance and the need to protect the separation of church and state."
“Being open about myself and my experiences shows people that their secular government has secular members who will prioritize the needs of the people.”
