Campaign Phone
7345648968
Number of years as resident
9
My Bachelor of Business Administration (Finance) degree from the University of Kentucky, in unison with my 30+ years of real estate finance experience, puts me in a position to understand the funding mechanics of a municipality like Milan. Taxation of real estate is a city's primary source of revenues collected. Having the education and experience in finance and real estate taxation and valuation is critical in understanding the balance sheet of Milan. Balancing city revenues with city expenditures is what keeps a city functioning properly and the ability to forecast future revenues and expenditures is what allows a city to finance future growth and infrastructure needs in a fiscally responsible manner.
Milan is an old city. The costs of maintaining and replacing aging infrastructure like water wells and water mains, sewer lines and the wastewater facility, and 18 miles of city roads is overwhelming. The City of Milan has historically not prepared itself for the day when all these important elements of city living need replaced. When I started my first term as Mayor in 2022, my staff and I, along with city council, went to work to attack our aging infrastructure. We successfully worked for and was awarded over $7,000,000 in grant funding for improvements to our wastewater facility, parks, streets, sidewalks and more. We have $5,000,000 in pending new grants for road and water main replacements we're positioned to win in 25/26. Lastly, we've worked hard on a road and water main finance plan to strategically go after our worst remaining road/water main combinations over a ten-year period. Based on the costs, the financing of said replacements needs spread out accordingly.
My main goal is to give the staff of the City of Milan the tools and resources they need to continue to execute at a high level. With a staff of professionals working daily for the residents it allows the council to focus on the finances of the city to ensure we keep our departments well-funded. With well-funded departments working on maintaining and improving the health and safety of the city for the residents, we can then focus on the challenges of repairing and replacing the aging infrastructure of an aging city.
Milan is a clean, safe and friendly place to call home. Our location is rural and quiet, yet close enough to bigger cities for all of life's amenities. A quaint downtown, walkable streets, wonderful parks and incredible schools are everything needed to attract new families and businesses to visit us and choose Milan as their home. We continue to look for ways to improve the quality of life for our residents and expand on what we can offer to the families that are always asking for a little more activity.
Number of years as resident
21
My strength lies in seeing connections—between people, challenges, and solutions—and building bridges to move us forward. Whether through my multidisciplinary education, work as a small business owner, or years of advocacy and organizing, I approach every challenge with creativity and a drive to uplift others.
As a mother to a daughter with DS, I’ve spent years finding ways to help her thrive. That experience shapes how I support others in reaching their full potential. My goal is to create paths to success—not just for one person, but for the whole community.
One of my most recent experiences was co-chairing the E3 Neurodiversity Conference at Eastern Michigan University, reaffirming the value of diverse perspectives and building inclusive spaces where everyone can contribute.
I believe these experiences, coupled with my commitment to our community, make me the best candidate to lead the City of Milan. I approach challenges with a relentless dedication to helping people succeed.
One of Milan’s biggest challenges is improving infrastructure while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Residents want meaningful upgrades—especially to roads and water systems—without facing higher taxes.
I believe in making thoughtful decisions grounded in independent assessments and data. That means continuing to seek grant funding, attracting businesses that meet our needs, and exploring cost-effective ways to enhance quality of life.
I recently spoke with the Executive Director of Aid in Milan about how the City could collaborate with local nonprofits. For example, we discussed water hauling—some nearby township residents truck in water due to poor quality. While extending city water may not be feasible, improving Milan’s water loading system could make it a more viable source, generating revenue and helping neighbors.
These kinds of conversations matter. Leadership means asking the right questions, listening carefully, and connecting ideas to benefit our entire community.
As Mayor, I will lead with purpose—ensuring city services are effective, spending is responsible, and that current projects are completed. I’ll prioritize collaboration by amplifying resident voices, working with local experts, and building partnerships with nonprofits and businesses.
With ongoing cuts to federal and state programs, we must be proactive and community-focused. When I say “I’ll fight for your family and mine,” I mean finding local solutions to help people meet basic needs.
Milan’s greatest strength is its people—I want to work with those ready to build a more connected, sustainable city.
My goals include improving green spaces (to serve all age groups better, adding sun shades and using humane goose deterrents), supporting pedestrian safety (better lighting, sidewalks, crossings), and protecting our environment by monitoring land use and development.
I’ll work with our community to protect what we love and prepare for future challenges.
What brought my husband and me to Milan 21 years ago is what still makes this city special today—safety, charm, proximity to larger cities, and a close-knit community. Milan is a place where families and businesses can grow, contribute, and truly belong.
Over the years, we’ve built a small business and raised a child here. Through that journey, we’ve come to see that Milan’s greatest asset is its people—residents who care deeply, show up, and get involved.
Whether you grew up here or have learned to love it, Milan inspires a fierce loyalty to a shared vision. We may not all agree on the details, but we do agree that we don’t want to be just like every other city—we value who we are.
When Frank Witsil recently wrote “… from Midland to Muskegon and Milan to Marquette,” in the Detroit Free Press, I felt a sense of recognition. I am proud to be part of a a collective energy that reminds us how powerful it is when we show up, work together, and stay connected.
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