VOTE411 Voter Guide

With 28 years in the Aerospace industry,including 15 in executive leadership roles at The Boeing Company,Triumph Corporation (as President of Gear Systems),and Aviation Technical Services (as VP of Environmental Health & Safety and Operational Excellence),I bring a wealth of experience in leading complex organizations through change, growth and innovation Throughout my career,I've consistently taken on roles that required both strategic vision and hands-on problem solving. I've built high-performing teams,led organizations through transitions,and implemented transformative programs with measurable results. My leadership style is rooted in accountability,mentorship,and collaboration across all levels Ethical leadership and transparency have been cornerstones to my approach. I've championed cultures where every voice is valued. My professional journey has equipped me with the insight,agility, and determination to serve as Mayor with integrity and vision,and a results oriented mindset

My record of public service reflects a deep and sustained commitment to community leadership, collaboration and advocacy. I currently serve as Deputy Mayor and City Council Member for the City of Sumner. I am on the Finance and Personnel Committee, Public Safety Committee, Alternate on the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee, and The Rainier Communications Commission. Regionally, I sit on the Executive Board of the South Sound Housing Affordability Partners and the Board of Directors for the Tacoma-Pierce County Economic Development Board-both of which focus on long-term, sustainable growth and equitable access to housing and economic opportunity. I have prior sat on the Sumner Planning Commission for 2 years, Elder Board Member at Eikon Church, and am currently the Executive Director of New Self Ministries, a nonprofit organization focused on outreach, support and counseling. For 2 years I facilitated youth forums at Sumner High School, helping to elevate student voices and concerns.

I'm running for Mayor of Sumner because I love our city and our city needs strong, forward-thinking leadership. I bring a clear vision to build a community that others look to as a model of excellence-where innovation meets tradition, and where every voice matters. As a leader, communicator and change agent, I understand what it takes for a community to thrive. I believe in listening first-to residents, business owners, and those that serve our city everyday. Your insight shapes our priorities, and I'm committed to ensuring that those priorities are reflected in action. I know how to balance the have to-state and regional mandates-with the want-to that reflect the heart of our community. When people think of Sumner, I want them to feel pride, warmth and connection. That's why I lead with honesty, compassion, and a strong moral compass. I believe in treating everyone with respect and driving meaningful progress. This campaign isn't about going back. Its about moving forward-together

1)Managing Growth and Development Sumner is experiencing rapid growth, and while development brings opportunity, it also presents challenges.

2)Affordable Housing Access to affordable housing is a growing concern for many in our community As housing prices rise, long-time residents and young families are being priced out 3)Rising Taxes and Fiscal Responsibility Residents are feeling the strain due to rising taxes, both in the city of Sumner and the state of Washington. Rising taxes will make it un-affordable for many to continue living in this city Its critical that we manage public funds responsibly with transparency and accountability

1)Managing growth: Develop based on need not want. I will ensure that new development aligns with our community's character, supports infrastructure needs, and enhance-not erodes-our quality of life I will engage the Community by listening to residents and business owners. They will have a seat at the table in shaping how our city grows. 2)Affordable housing: Preserving existing affordable units is just as important as building new ones. Ill support repair programs. I will support Advocacy at county, state and federal levels to aggressively continue seeking grants from all entities to execute on affordable housing in our city of Sumner. 3)Rising Taxes: I will ensure we prioritize spending, eliminate inefficiencies, and ensure that every dollar is used to deliver real value to the community. I will continue to drive a balanced budget and smart financial planning in the city I will aggressively pursue the need for tax reductions and exemptions for Seniors and others in our community

I am a lifelong public servant and community leader with a steadfast commitment to putting people first. With a distinguished career spanning decades in local government, including leadership roles with the City of Tacoma and the City of Sumner, I have dedicated my life to strengthening communities, fostering collaboration, and delivering real results. Whether spearheading transformative infrastructure projects, advocating for quality education, or ensuring families have access to essential resources, I lead with integrity, humility, and an unwavering focus on service. I believe in listening, problem-solving, and bringing people together to create a better future for all.

Sumner-Bonney Lake Citizens for Schools Chair. The Citizens for Sumner Library Committee Chair. Sumner Library Capital Campaign Steering Committee Chair. City of Sumner Mayor (2018-2021). South Sound 911 past Board Chair. Puget Sound Regional Council Operations Committee and Executive Board past member. City of Sumner (Public Works and Public Services Director, 2008-2017). City of Tacoma (Public Works Director, Assistant City Manager, 1974-2008). National Top Ten Public Works Leader of the Year (2007).

What matters most to me are family, friends and community. I love Sumner and am proud to call it my home. The mayor is in a unique position, working with staff and the City Council members, to build community through partnerships, collaboration and hard work. That’s what I did during some challenging times during my first term (pandemic, flooding, urban fire, snowstorms, windstorms). The next four years will bring more challenges. I will address them and continue to build community as mayor.

There are more than three major issues facing Sumner, but I’ll address the following. Supporting our historic wonderful downtown. Fostering community growth while preserving our small-town character is crucial. Making our city safer. Continue the proactive, community based, compassionate policing who act in partnership with our citizens. Improving access to mental health and social services. Due to federal and state funding cuts, marginalized individuals, families and kids in local communities will be impacted by reduced access to health care, food, housing and transportation over the next few years.

I was part of Sumner Rotary fundraising effort to donate $300,000 to build the stage at Heritage Park. I will lead the effort to find partners and funding to complete the remaining improvements needed. Available convenient parking is a problem. I will work with the Sumner Main Street Association, Sound Transit, residents and the merchants to evaluate parking problems, propose solutions and implement them. Find funding to deal with increased policing costs due to increased Academy costs and reduction in State support. We need a full compliment of officers. Work with businesses to decrease theft and drug sales in adjacent parking. Partner with essential organizations who address identified mental health and social service needs. This includes the Center for Strong Families, the new Sumner Library, the South Sound Housing Affordability Partners and the Communities for Families Coalition. We can coordinate services to help community members. Better together!

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