District councilors must be engaged in the community and willing to bring issues to city government. My wealth of experience has prepared me to do just that. I started my career as a journalist and was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. I then became a community mental health counselor. I’ve worked in mentoring at the Duluth YMCA, ran the Damiano Kids’ Kitchen, worked at CHUM and co-founded the Rhubarb Festival, and was the executive director of the regional Habitat for Humanity chapter. I’m a union steward with MAPE, and on the team that negotiated a contract for 18,000 workers. I know how to research issues, identify unexplored angles, engage people through deep listening and thoughtful conversation, and solve problems for the greater good.

Housing: The city seems to believe that if we support rich developers eventually it will help us all. Trickle down doesn’t work. We must build the housing people need. Streets: People are struggling to get to work and afford car repairs because of our streets. This is not just an issue of bumpy roads, and we can do better. Neighborhoods: Our neighborhoods are in disrepair. We’re losing community centers and seeing more trash in parks. If the city can’t fix this, we must fix the city so it does.

I am plugged into many parts of our community, bridging differences and learning from them. As a lead organizer of the regional union movement’s annual May Day celebration, I assertively advocated for a big tent event representing the full spectrum of labor. I am a long-term member of the Twin Ports African-American Men’s Group. I have advocated for the LGBTQIA and immigrant communities, including family members and close friends. I will draw on these connections to serve our whole community.

As a former journalist, I worked with officials at all government levels and assertively engaged in the public interest. I will bring this same tenacity to my City Council work, advocating for issues that matter to District 4 and keeping communication open with constituents. I will fight against privatizing public services, which leads to loss of accountability and increased costs. I will hospitably engage citizens who bring forward issues, using my counselor training to facilitate solutions.

Fifteen years ago, I made Duluth my home, building my family and career here. I want every resident to feel the same pride in our city that I do. As a mom and City Councilor, I bring a common-sense, results-driven approach. I’ve delivered the first 0% property tax increase in a decade, supported economic development that brings jobs and housing, and prioritized public safety with initiatives that connect people to needed resources while holding repeat offenders accountable. I’ve also championed core services, securing $12M for lead line replacements, improving West Skyline safety, and strengthening snow emergency plans. I show up, do the work, and focus on solutions that keep Duluth strong and sustainable.

My top three priorities are growing our tax base, strengthening core services, and ensuring safety. A stronger economy creates jobs, housing, and stability while lowering the burden on residents. Core services like safe roads, clean water, and snow removal are essential to daily life. Public safety is foundational, I’ve supported initiatives that balance accountability with compassion, ensuring all neighborhoods feel safe.

I believe in showing up, listening, and building trust across all neighborhoods. I engage with residents through meetings, community events, and direct conversations, ensuring every voice is heard. On Council, I’ve supported policies that strengthen housing, childcare, and public safety, issues that impact every family. My focus is on solutions that serve the whole community, balancing accountability with compassion, so Duluth is a place where everyone feels they belong.

I’m a councilor who believes we must stay focused on core city issues, and I’ll continue to push for that. Transparency and accountability mean showing up, asking tough questions, and ensuring decisions are made in the open. I’ve supported fiscal responsibility, including a 0% tax increase, and will keep working to make sure city government remains focused on the priorities that matter most to residents—public safety, core services, and a strong economy.