I would bring a fresh perspective so that the City Council can make the best decisions for all St. Peter residents. As a member of the St. Peter Planning and Zoning Commission and as a community health advocate, I have knowledge of how local government works and where services or policies could be improved. As co-president of the Good Neighbor Diversity Council, I have deep connections to community groups across St. Peter. I would be able to act as a bridge so that everyone’s voices can be heard. I am a hard worker, a compassionate and active listener, and I care deeply about everyone’s wellbeing. These skills, relationships, and perspectives would help me contribute to the success of the council’s work to support all St. Peter residents.

Affordable Housing – I will work to expand affordable housing options and connect residents—especially working families, seniors, and young people—with resources that open doors to possibilities. Infrastructure – As St. Peter grows, we must maintain safe streets, sidewalks, and utilities to keep our community strong. Economic Stability – I’ll support small and local businesses with policies and resources that help them thrive and attract new ones.

Engaging diverse communities is one of my biggest passions and areas of strength. I am a trusted member of the Somali community and, through my work with the St. Peter Good Neighbor Diversity Council, I know many leaders from the Spanish-speaking community. I am active in getting young people involved in volunteering and local programs. I plan to share information about city initiatives, hold listening sessions, and get feedback so we can learn from each other and all voices are heard.

As a City Council member, I’ll work to ensure all decisions are made openly and with community input. I support live streaming meetings, sharing clear updates online, and holding regular listening sessions with Ward 2 residents. I’ll promote strong ethics, transparent budgeting, and public access to key information. Accountability starts with clear communication—and I’m committed to keeping you informed every step of the way.

I am the best candidate because of my proven council experience and 17 years as a Social Studies teacher, including college-level government and geography. I ran on three priorities—housing, supporting local businesses, and sustainability—and I’m proud of our progress. We created housing partnerships that added more homes in four years than the last 20, making Saint Peter a regional leader in affordable housing. I’ve worked with businesses and community groups to secure improvements, and on sustainability I advocated to obtain grants, build our first solar field, and hire a coordinator. I also championed park upgrades, presenting the Gorman Park plan to state and federal lawmakers and helping add Hallet Park, all without raising local taxes

My priorities remain the same as when I was first elected: advancing housing and development at all levels, supporting local businesses and organizations, and expanding sustainability efforts. This council has developed more city land than any before it, including long-vacant property in the North Industrial Park that once generated tax liability but now drives growth and opportunity for our community.

Over the past four years, the council has held community conversations with LGBTQ+, Eastern African, Latinx, and elderly residents, generating valuable data for government improvements. I not only supported these efforts but also helped connect city staff with community members to make them possible. Each conversation led to actionable steps for greater inclusivity. This year, I was proud to help shape a new city–school district partnership to better serve Eastern African and Latinx communities.

Transparency and accountability are vital for building trust and delivering quality city services. If reelected, I will ensure communication remains open and citizens continue to have a strong voice in local decisions. I will provide regular updates on initiatives, projects, and budgets, while encouraging feedback. I will also keep pushing for effective use of social media and more strategic “hot sheet” posts to keep residents fully informed and engaged.