VOTE411 Voter Guide

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Over the next few months, I’ll be spending time at the Ellensburg Farmer’s Market, and hosting informal discussions in local cafes, for people who want to chat about issues of interest or concern to them. I, also, will be doing some canvassing. Of course, a lot of conversations already happen while I’m out and about. And as a sitting councilmember, I also interact with Ellensburg residents through my city email address, and I’m always willing to meet with individuals who would prefer a one-on-one discussion of an issue.

We are fortunate to reside in a state that takes environmental issues seriously, and which provides a lot of guidance to municipalities regarding environmental issues. Most of the time, the job of the City and of the Council is to work out how to comply with that guidance, as well as any federal regulations dealing with the environment. But beyond mere compliance, Ellensburg has an Environmental Commission that provides citizen oversight and which advises and advocates for environmental issues, bringing these to the City Council. Ellensburg also partners with the public health department to monitor air quality in the city and provide appropriate warnings to residents when conditions are particularly harmful to at-risk individuals. Additionally, the City of Ellensburg adopted the Sustainability and Energy Plan last year, which will guide us through the year 2050. Overall, I think the City and the City Council take seriously our roles in protectiing our environment.

I moved to Ellensburg in 2000 and have served as follows: • Administrator, Kittitas County Health Department, 2000-2006. • Member, Kittitas County Homeless and Affordable Housing Committee, 2007-2017. Helped write the first Kittitas County Homeless and Affordable Housing 10-Year Plan. • Organized a community discussion to create the Kittitas County Homeless and Affordable Housing Network. • Elected to Ellensburg City Council, 2017 to present. o Helped create the Affordable Housing Committee and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission. • Service as a Council representative to the: o County Airport Advisory Board, o County Law and Justice Council, o City Planning Commission, o City Utility Advisory Committee, o City/County LOEFF Board, o County Council of Governments, o County Homeless and Affordable Housing Committee, • Member, Hospice Friends, Board of Directors. • Ellensburg Free Clinic, Board of Directors. • Helen House, Board of Directors. • Ellensburg United Methodist Churc

I’ve been working on this issue in various capacities since I moved to Ellensburg in the year 2000, and it’s an issue that is near to my heart. Unfortunately, it’s also a very complex, multifaceted challenge. In addition to compassion, addressing homelessness requires a system of services, not just shelter and housing, but community resources that guide homeless individuals toward being housed and healthy. Ellensburg is blessed to have several agencies that provide such services and support. We did spend two years studying the feasibility of, and trying to implement, a year-round sleep center, with individual housing units for our local homeless community, but that does not seem to be a path that is open to us at this time. Instead, the City and the County will continue their partnership to provide the cold weather shelter, and the top priority at the moment is identifying an appropriate facility that can host the shelter for the entirety of the upcoming winter season.

And secondly, we really do need to focus on dedicated parks and recreation resources. We know this is an area that has been neglected, and we want this to be a city that people truly enjoy living in. A dedicated funding source is needed for the Parks and Recreation Department to use for maintenance, upkeep, equipment replacement, and purchasing new equipment for our parks. Going forward, we will be able to take better care of our parks and provide safer, cleaner, and more enjoyable spaces for all. We’ll be addressing this in our Comprehensive Plan review, and the Parks and Rec Commission will be updating their strategic plan to identify priorities.

I plan to continue to attend as many events, gatherings and forums etc. as I can. I want to put myself out there for feedback, questions and concerns. I’m also active on social media and I have open dialog with anyone. I encourage everyone to reach out via email or messaging. Additionally, I love the “Coffee with the Council” and I would like to expand these types of meetings. Lastly, I believe a lot of our commission meetings are held at inopportune times for many working citizens that aren't able to attend. I think these meetings should be held in the early evenings so we can promote more community involvement.

The city’s role in addressing environmental issues should focus on practical, local solutions that balance responsible management with economic growth. We should prioritize maintaining clean public spaces, ensuring efficient waste management, and enforcing existing regulations against pollution. The city can encourage private innovation by streamlining permits for green businesses and supporting voluntary conservation efforts. However, heavy-handed mandates or costly programs that burden taxpayers and small businesses should be avoided if a considerable benefit isn’t clear or obvious. We can protect our environment while preserving individual freedoms and economic prosperity.

Honestly, I wasn’t always aware of the many ways to engage in our city. I’m a mom doing my best for my family, and I also worked in child nutrition for our school district for the past five years, including a short time in Kittitas. If you’ve ever worked in school kitchens, you know it’s a job done out of love—not money. I’m lucky to have a supportive husband and the freedom to pursue what fulfills me. I loved working with kids and knowing we were doing our best to make meals they’d enjoy.

Now, I’m devoting myself to public service. I attend city meetings as often as I can and study areas where I can be most useful. I no longer work for the district, and my kids are more independent, giving me time to serve. I want to do more than sit on council—I want to truly work for our community

Our city should address homelessness with a balanced plan focused on public safety, responsibility, and compassion. We must enforce laws to keep streets clean and public areas safe for all. That means cracking down on illegal camps and public drug use that disrupt our neighborhoods.

But enforcement alone isn’t enough. We also need real solutions to help people rebuild. That includes better access to mental health care, addiction treatment, and job training—key factors behind homelessness. Local nonprofits and faith groups can offer support, shelter, and hope.

Any aid must include accountability, like joining recovery or work programs. Handouts alone don’t work. I’d also support smart housing options that don’t burden taxpayers. Our goal should be a city where people can thrive, not just survive—with fairness, order, and opportunity for all.

I envision a small but growing country town, that embraces everyone, puts our differences aside when push comes to shove. Help your neighbors, support and protect our children. I want to shop in town and support local business's first to promote a thriving downtown, so we don't have to shop in Yakima. I want places our kids can go for fun and be safe. The biggest complaint I hear from family’s living here, especially with children is that there's nothing to do. We need to change that, it's long overdue.

This town is largely agricultural, with our farmers and cowboys, and I want to protect that, that is our roots.

No matter how big we get, I want to preserve that small town feel.