My Bio
I am excited to announce my candidacy for the city council! I genuinely believe in the power of representation and the impact of strong leadership in creating meaningful change. With nine rewarding years as a city council member in Ketchikan, I have had the privilege of witnessing both the challenges and triumphs of our incredible community. I am deeply passionate about advocating for the needs of our residents and ensuring that every voice in Ketchikan is not only heard but also valued.
Together, let’s embark on a journey to create an even brighter future for our beloved community! We face significant challenges, including the rising costs of infrastructure repairs and the pressing need for affordable housing for all. These issues deserve our utmost attention and commitment from our council members.
While I am excited about the potential for economic growth through tourism, I firmly believe that we must balance this growth with the quality of life for our year-round residents. We should never sacrifice our community’s essence for the sake of profit. I am committed to advocating for policies that benefit everyone—not just a select few. Furthermore, I believe in the strength of collaboration and unity among our diverse communities.
By fostering connections between different groups, we can address the pressing issues we face together. My goal is to bring people together to uncover practical solutions that ensure our community thrives and isn’t left to shoulder the burdens alone. We all deserve a chance to enjoy a high quality of life while navigating challenges and opportunities together.
I am dedicated to working tirelessly on behalf of all of us, championing the values and priorities that reflect our collective needs. Let’s build a future where everyone in Ketchikan has a voice and a place. Join me on this exciting journey, and together, let's shape a Ketchikan that embodies an inclusive future for everyone.
A fun fact about me is that I'm an artist who has lived all over the state. I love giving back to my community and have volunteered in various ways. Additionally, I navigate life with a disability, which has shaped my perspective, and I am a staunch advocate for those living with disabilities.
My Key Issues
Cultural Diversity and Inclusion
I unequivocally advocate for our diverse community members, demanding a future where every individual can live with unwavering dignity and respect. It is essential that we create an environment that not only acknowledges our differences but also upholds the rights and voices of all, ensuring that inclusivity and equality are non-negotiable aspects of our society.
Tourism, Infrastructure, and Quality of Life
The growing pressure from tourism is threatening our quality of life and is a contributor to driving up the cost of living, especially the cost of housing, which has more than doubled in the past 5 years. Our year-round residents are unjustly bearing the financial burden of maintaining essential infrastructure. Economic growth is crucial for our future, but it must not come at the expense of our community's well-being or the livelihoods of its members. I am excited to tackle the critical challenges our community faces! I advocate for policies that truly benefit everyone. While some may see my approach as divisive, I firmly stand for what is right, and collaboration can be a powerful tool when it is mutual and ensures that the needs of our community are at the forefront. I am ready to challenge the billion-dollar cruise industry, and I am confident that if they value our community, they'll join us in creating solutions that foster our health and well-being. Together, we can thrive and flourish, not just survive. I genuinely look forward to building a brighter future for all of us.
Accessibility, Disability, and Community Inclusion
Accessibility for those living with disabilities does not stop at the door. It fosters the ability to participate fully. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was a groundbreaking achievement when it was passed in 1990, setting a goal for communities across the nation to become fully accessible by 2010. It's inspiring to see the progress we've made, but there are still challenges ahead. It is heart breaking when places receive variances, which hinder our collective efforts to create truly accessible environments—something that ultimately affects us all, and especially our elders and young people with disablities. Recently, as the Ketchikan Airport remodel plan began, it became clear to me and many others that we need a dedicated advisory committee to partner with both the city and the borough. This committee would play a vital role in ensuring that our airport and all public buildings are welcoming and accessible to everyone. It's important to remember that today's mobility challenges can affect anyone at any point in their lives. Accessibility is crucial not just for individuals with disabilities, but for everyone, especially our elders and those facing mobility challenges. By coming together to raise awareness about these issues, we can identify the areas that need improvement and advocate for necessary changes. When we unite, we can create a community that embraces everyone. Let's champion this initiative and work towards a future where accessibility is not just an afterthought, but a standard. Together, we can foster understanding and pave the way for improvements that benefit all members of the community. The journey might be challenging, but with optimism and commitment, we can make Ketchikan—a place we all love—fully accessible for everyone. Your voice matters, and together, we can ensure a brighter, more inclusive future!
Send Me a Message
Have questions or suggestions? I would love to hear from you!