Why are you running for office?

I believe we need more women in office and a wide variety of skills and life experience in every level of government. That is how we will find the best ideas to serve the people of Goodhue County.

What experiences have prepared you to serve effectively in this role?

Years of experience in management, non-profit leadership, and four years on the Red Wing City Council have given me the confidence to manage budgets and teams effectively.

What are your top three priorities if elected?

1. Rural healthcare affordability

2. Rural healthcare access

3. Ambulance service financial sustainability

How do plan to address your top priorities?

I plan to work with local residents, experts, and our health and human services staff to thoroughly understand our challenges and options then work with the other county commissioners to make the best long term decisions for the county.

What do you believe is the greatest challenge facing the people you hope to represent?

Affordability.

Public service requires collaboration. How would you work with individuals who hold different viewpoints?

I have a proven track record on the Red Wing City Council of working in a non-partisan office with community members who hold very different opinions. I don't always agree with a persons position but I always listen and try to understand before making up my mind about the best course of action.

How will you communicate with and remain accessible to your constituents?

Once elected, I will be reachable by phone and email and I intend to set up weekly office hours for people to stop by. I plan to attend township board meetings in the district to stay informed about local issues and talk with other residents of the district.

At the end of your term, what accomplishments would define success?

I hope to leave my neighbors in a better place than where we started by working together and instilling a sense of trust and confidence in each other to look out for each other.

Tell voters something about yourself outside of politics.

I live in Florence Township in the 1920's farmhouse that my grandparents lived in when I was growing up. I studied theater at UW-Madison and worked in theaters across the country before returning to Goodhue County. Since then I've done a wide variety of things. I've worked in non-profit administration, volunteered as a master gardener, and served one term on the Red Wing City Council. I currently work with artists from around the USA and the world at The Anderson Center at Tower View and I represent Goodhue County on the Southeast Minnesota Arts Council board where I serve as the treasurer.