Personal Biography
I was born and raised in Saline County Kansas. I am passionate about positively improving my community and state. Kansas is a wonderful place that we should all take the time to experience from the rural areas, and not just as a passing scene on a drive from one state to another.
Community/Public Service
Returned Peace Corps Panama Volunteer; President of The Temple Board in Salina, Founding member of the Local Food Works Foundation, Member of Salina Media Connection Board
Education
BA in Chemistry from Bethany College; MS in Agroecology/Agronomy from University of Minnesota
Ballot City
Salina
County
Saline
I believe our first infrastructure priority should be taking care of what we already have. Roads, bridges, water infrastructure, and public facilities are fundamental services, and deferred maintenance almost always costs taxpayers more in the long run.
Water deserves particular attention. We should be thinking not only about water mains and rural water systems, but about long-term water quality, supply, drainage, and resilience. I also believe infrastructure investment can play an important role in revitalizing our older neighborhoods and supporting new housing and economic development.
When new capital projects are considered, I would ask three questions: Is it necessary? Will it provide long-term value? And what is the least burdensome way to pay for it?
We should aggressively pursue state and federal grants, matching funds, partnerships, and other outside investment before placing additional burdens on local property taxpayers.
Economic development should focus on recruiting high quality jobs offering wages that incentivize county growth and retention. Saline County should continue recruiting major employers while also placing greater emphasis on growing businesses from within our community. Small businesses, entrepreneurs, farms, tradespeople, and locally owned companies create jobs while keeping more wealth circulating locally.
We also need to recognize that housing, childcare, and workforce development are economic infrastructure. We should strengthen partnerships between our local government, educational institutions, and employers to create pathways from education and training into good-paying careers.
Finally, we should build on our geographic location, agricultural base, manufacturing capacity, and educational institutions while pursuing industries that diversify our economy. The goal should be creating opportunities for people to build careers, businesses, and lives in Saline county.
I believe one of Saline County government’s greatest strengths is its professional workforce and the essential services employees provide every day, often without much public attention. When roads are maintained, records are accessible, elections run smoothly, and public services are dependable, residents may rarely think about the work behind them, and that is often a sign of effective government.
As a commissioner, I believe our role is to establish clear priorities, listen to residents, make responsible financial decisions, and give qualified employees the tools they need to succeed. We should build on what works by encouraging communication and cooperation across departments and jurisdictions.
Effective government does not necessarily mean more government. It means government that is accessible, accountable, efficient, and focused on delivering the basic services residents expect for the taxes they pay.
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