VOTE411 Voter Guide

I have lived in Sullivan County for 40 years. I grew up in Oak Ridge, TN in a large family. If we wanted something, we had to earn it. I learned how to get the most out of every dollar. I am a retired teacher with a Master’s degree in education. My husband and I owned several successful small businesses which prepared me to understand budgets and how to work with the public. I have also helped many community organizations raise funds and prosper, such as the Greater Kingsport Boys and Girls Club, the Child Care Center at First Presbyterian Church, Kingsport Ballet and the Holston Valley Community Hospital Foundation. With these experiences, I believe I am well qualified to serve as a Sullivan County Commissioner in District 10.

The constituents of the commission would like more transparency and more input with how decisions are made. Our constituents prioritize faith, family, security and financial stability. The commission’s job is to advance these priorities by managing taxpayer funds to foster a safe community with growing economic opportunities. If elected as Commissioner for District 10, I will gladly talk to anyone who wants to text, email, call, or meet with me in person. There is no substitute for getting to know people and hearing from them directly.

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At twenty-three, my foundation is in Christ, Who has given me my courage and conviction (Joshua 1:9). At East Tennessee State University, where I earned my degree in Media Communications, I co-founded a Turning Point USA chapter and worked to bring Christ and conservatism back to campus. After graduating ETSU, I earned my master’s from Liberty University, served as Field Coordinator for Bobby Harshbarger’s State Senate campaign, and worked in Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger’s district office. Today, I proudly serve as Turning Point USA’s High School Representative for Tennessee, seeking to let Christ use me to lead, serve, and build the next generation in truth. In six months, I have helped East Tennessee grow from 60 chapters and counting!

I feel called to serve. At twenty-three, I’ve been priced out of buying a home in the county I’ve lived in my entire life. Rent is often higher than a mortgage, and families across Sullivan County faced overwhelming property tax increases. Government should put families first—not big businesses, career politicians, or outside interests. Its role is to protect and serve the people, not burden them. For too long, our county has grown government and spending at the expense of everyday citizens. I’m running to fight for a smaller, more accountable government—one that allows families to keep more of what they earn and invests wisely in what matters most: strong schools, safe roads, and a thriving economy.

A civic mind began in 1974 when I joined the local volunteer FD. Following the Army, 1976-1980, I rejoined and continued with the vol. FD to 2007. From 2001-23 I was employed in the fire protection industry with a passion in making life better and safer for everyone. Participated in local, county, and state meetings since 1980. Have amended and written legislation. Decades of time on national and state committees for building, fire, life safety codes and fire protection standards which require the art of compromise to bring fruition of modernizing codes and standards. Presently, I represent TN American Legion as legislative liaison for US Congressional District 1 and the Legislative Consultant to a fire protetction association.

My constituents have directed me to investigate road conditions and Hwy Dept budget. Next is the budget/tax scare of 2025; more communication. Schools and teachers; quality of both and the budgets needed to keep great teachers here in Sullivan County. Recently, this has been suggested; permits and rejected or delayed applications and other inspection issues in the County. I’m diving into that at present to fact find. As an occasional attendee of the Up East Tn Building Officials Assn meetings, I have found the inspectors to be well trained and experienced. anything that hits a person’s wallet is paramount. We need to be sensitive to anything affecting the bottom line.