The Issues
I support fiscal responsibility, proven by my voting record on the Monmouth Budget Committee. However, I also understand the need to invest wisely. For Example, as a property owner, I supported the bond to build a new police station. I, like many others, was dismayed at the under-estimation of the total project cost, but knew that the benefit still outweighed the cost, and that diligent budgeting had provided us with a reserves balance that could carry us through this project while retaining financial stability for overall city operations. When the budget committee was asked to approve a budget that could draw our reserves below the minimum set by City Council, I went to work and was the only councilor who presented solutions to budget above the prescribed minimum reserve balance. It's not enough to complain about the way things are being done; I will critique AND provide solutions.
I support the use of city funds to encourage economic development. That starts with creating incentives and the infrastructure needed to bring businesses and good jobs to town and ends with keeping those owners and employees as residents by being the best city we can be. The current urban renewal efforts are a great first step and make our city a beautiful place that people want to visit and spend money in. We now need to take a proactive look at where our city is heading in the next decades. Things will likely need to change which makes many people uncomfortable. I recognize the reasons for that discomfort and will do what I can to be an effective change agent and unite people around common, beneficial purposes.
I support mutually beneficial partnerships between the City of Monmouth and Western Oregon University. These two entities can do so much for each other, yet some people seem content to blame one or another for the very few ills that our community experiences. This needs to stop. We need to have productive conversations about how the best city I've ever lived in and the best university I've ever worked for can help each other be stronger. I will not shy away from tough discussions because of my affiliation with the city or the university, but I will remain solution-focused and not give into bickering.
These are just a few of the issues that face our community. If you would like to discuss with me any other issues that are dear to you, please contact me at [email protected]
I support the use of city funds to encourage economic development. That starts with creating incentives and the infrastructure needed to bring businesses and good jobs to town and ends with keeping those owners and employees as residents by being the best city we can be. The current urban renewal efforts are a great first step and make our city a beautiful place that people want to visit and spend money in. We now need to take a proactive look at where our city is heading in the next decades. Things will likely need to change which makes many people uncomfortable. I recognize the reasons for that discomfort and will do what I can to be an effective change agent and unite people around common, beneficial purposes.
I support mutually beneficial partnerships between the City of Monmouth and Western Oregon University. These two entities can do so much for each other, yet some people seem content to blame one or another for the very few ills that our community experiences. This needs to stop. We need to have productive conversations about how the best city I've ever lived in and the best university I've ever worked for can help each other be stronger. I will not shy away from tough discussions because of my affiliation with the city or the university, but I will remain solution-focused and not give into bickering.
These are just a few of the issues that face our community. If you would like to discuss with me any other issues that are dear to you, please contact me at [email protected]
Civic Experience/About Me
I became a property-owning resident of Monmouth in 2010. Shortly after moving to town in 2009, I became a member of the Ford Family Leadership Program where I met many other active community members whom I joined in service on community projects including efforts to improve bike/pedestrian infrastructure. I joined the Monmouth City Budget committee, where I served as the chair for 3 years, and developed an in-depth understanding of the city's finances. I was appointed, and then elected in a contested race to serve on the Monmouth City Council. I have served diligently, and am humbly asking for your continued support.
In addition to my work with the city, I am heavily involved at Western Oregon University. I serve as the Director of the Student Enrichment Program which helps first-generation and low income students, as well as students with disabilities, earn their university degree. I have been appointed to WOU's inaugural Board of Trustees based on my service to the students, staff, and faculty, many of whom are also Monmouth residents and of whom I also humbly request your support so that I may continue to serve you both on and off-campus.
I hold a Master's degree in Higher Education from the University of Central Missouri, and Bachelor's degree in Communication from the University of Iowa. I am an avid cyclist, music and movie lover, and semi-professional videographer.
In addition to my work with the city, I am heavily involved at Western Oregon University. I serve as the Director of the Student Enrichment Program which helps first-generation and low income students, as well as students with disabilities, earn their university degree. I have been appointed to WOU's inaugural Board of Trustees based on my service to the students, staff, and faculty, many of whom are also Monmouth residents and of whom I also humbly request your support so that I may continue to serve you both on and off-campus.
I hold a Master's degree in Higher Education from the University of Central Missouri, and Bachelor's degree in Communication from the University of Iowa. I am an avid cyclist, music and movie lover, and semi-professional videographer.