VOTE411 Voter Guide

I have been a resident of the Copper Country for over 30 years and a resident of the City of Houghton since 2019. I originally moved to this region for its unique heritage, environment, and the intentional pace of life that defines the Lake Superior area. While I deeply value these qualities, I also recognize that thoughtful growth and progress are essential to sustaining the "sense of place" that Houghton projects. I am eager to serve on the City Council to represent our residents and to foster transparent communication and participation in the decisions affecting our neighborhoods, businesses, and schools.

My professional background and commitment to the community are rooted in my 25-year career in higher education. My current work requires me to routinely operationalize complex policies and collaborate across diverse departments. My experience also includes: Diverse Roles: Leadership and service in marketing technology, educational technology, online learning, library technologies and services, policy administration. Governance Experience: Serving on the Michigan Tech Alumni Board of Directors from 2014 to 2020 and the University Senate since 2023. Collaborative Problem Solving: A career-long history of serving on committees tasked with balancing institutional goals with the needs of a diverse population.

Keep Houghton going forward slowly and carefully. My 24th year serving, just as the Houghton City Council, is for all of Houghton and all the people, young and old, poor and not so poor, homegrown and transplants. To accomplish this I will do as I have in the past: listen. I have always been approachable when I am walking in the city or tending to the Douglass House gardens. I continue to enjoy talking to everyone. One thing I truly believe is that we all deserve to be listened to.

I have taken care of the Douglass House from the basement to the towers. I have walked from Chutes and Ladders to Houghton City Line. I know how things work and I am still learning. I proudly served on the Houghton Fire Department for 40 years. I love this city and I really do care for the community.

Support the continued implementation of the city master plan, specifically as it relates to city services and facilities, as well as commercial and residential development.

My career as an facilities and manufacturing engineer, and my tenure as a city councilor, have given me the experience and tools to represent city residents, and work with the City Manager.

I have been working to expand the community garden with the city manager and the community garden director. This issue is something we will pursue in more depth over the winter, including lot procurement and investigating funding opportunities. As a downtown business owner, I frequently hear my customers say that vehicles, rather than pedestrians, have priority in Houghton. The 2024-2028 City of Houghton Master Plan calls for improvements to pedestrian crossings and it is incumbent upon the council to make this topic a priority. Glass recycling is an issue for both residents and business owners, and I will continue to work with the city manager and other local agencies to institute a glass recycling initiative.

During the 18 years I have worked as a nurse in Houghton, I have developed a deep love for both the place and the people while also honing my ability to work respectfully with others to reach a common goal. Being on the council, which I have been serving on since April of this year, is being part of a team, not unlike my work as a nurse. If elected, I will continue to work together with both my fellow councilors and the city manager to address the needs and concerns of residents to keep making Houghton a great place to live. British by birth, I have lived in many countries, and seeing varied approaches to problem-solving and initiating advancements has given me a unique, international perspective.

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