Campaign Phone
8186212416
My education has given me the tools to think critically and communicate clearly, essential skills for a judge. I bring 28 years of administrative experience, including 13 years as Sheriff’s Clerk at the Park County Sheriff’s Office, gaining firsthand knowledge of the justice system, public safety, and confidentiality. Experienced in managing staff, coordinating operations, and using technology, I am prepared to run an efficient, fair courtroom. Life experiences—running businesses, serving on a school board, volunteering, and being active in my community—have taught me leadership, compassion, and fairness, all vital to serving with integrity.
One of the most important issues I expect to face is ensuring that our court remains accessible and understandable to the public. I will work to improve transparency by using plain language in communication, expanding access through technology, and making court documents and records easier to obtain. Another key issue is efficiency—cases must be handled in a timely manner without sacrificing fairness. My experience managing staff, coordinating operations, and adapting to change will help me keep the court running smoothly. Finally, I believe maintaining public trust is essential, and I will address this by upholding integrity, fairness, and professionalism in every decision.
The goal of the criminal justice system is to protect the community, uphold the rule of law, and ensure that justice is applied fairly to everyone. It must hold people accountable for their actions while also safeguarding their rights. The system should also seek to reduce repeat offenses by encouraging rehabilitation where appropriate. Ultimately, the goal is to balance fairness, accountability, and public safety in a way that builds trust in the courts and strengthens our community.
To improve public confidence in the legal system, we need to focus on transparency, accessibility, and fairness. Courts should use clear, plain language so people can understand fees, documents, and rulings. Expanding access through technology, like livestreams or online resources, helps the public see that justice is being carried out openly. Most importantly, judges must demonstrate integrity, impartiality, and respect in every case. When people see that the system is fair, consistent, and accountable, trust in the courts grows.
Campaign Phone
406-223-0659
Having lived in Livingston for 55 years, I graduated from Park High School. I owned and operated Belinda's Nail Corner for 18 years. As a member of the Livingston Elks Lodge for 22 years, I was President for 3 years and a Trustee for 3 years. I am currently a member of the BOD. I was a Montana State Elks Trustee for 6 years. I have 16+ years of experience working in Gallatin County Justice Court, learning how a court functions both in the courtroom and the office. I have in-depth working knowledge of the computer program used by courts and since 2017 I have been a member of the 8-person committee that monitors and makes changes to that program for Montana. I have had countless hours discussing cases with my current Judges.
It is critical that a judge have the necessary knowledge regarding the laws set by our Legislation. Judges must be able to research applicable case law as well as to continue with ongoing training for changes in laws and cases setting a precedent. People need to have confidence that they have been heard and had their questions answered even if they don't like the final outcome of their case. Procedural questions would be answered by the clerk, and other questions may be addressed in the courtroom. Technology advancements will increase efficiency, and documents can be improved to be more efficient and easily understood.
It is the court's responsibility to administer the law based on information provided by the prosecution and the defense. It is the judge's responsibility to administer penalties according to law, making people accountable for their actions without favoritism. Rehabilitative considerations are important to reduce the number of repeat offenders. The safety of victims, officers and citizens must be carefully weighed when setting conditions of release prior to sentencing. People need to have a voice and the expectation to be heard and treated fairly. Court hearings are open to the public to promote transparency and public education.
I think that people need to be more informed about the processes of courts, as well as its limitations. When people are being heard and are treated fairly it would instill confidence in the legal system. Someone may not like the outcome of their case, but the legal system would be more respected if the laws are clearly explained and questions answered, especially when involving a hearing. Judges are non-partisan so that they do not lean toward either side, but rather fairly apply the law based on the testimony and evidence provided. The court must ensure that there are high standards of conduct and integrity for judges and employees.
