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I'm a mom currently in the thick of motherhood - with 3 kids ages 13, 11, and 4 I'm budgeting groceries, gas, childcare, sports, and braces. The public schools aren't theoretical to me, they are my here and now and foreseeable future.

As a project specialist in the veterinary industry, I have budgeting and regulatory experience. As a member of the Oak Ridge Board of Education, I have budgeting and public policy experience. I've proven myself to be accessible, transparent, and open with communication.

Through my work with church groups, school groups, non-profits, and community aid programs, I seen some of the biggest needs across the county. Government should exist to make our lives better and easier and that's what I want to do as a commissioner. I want to make people's lives better.

Expansion of the EMS services is the most urgent need. Unlike police and fire, EMS covers the entire county including Oak Ridge. Anderson County EMS services are currently receiving an average of 2-3 "Code White" calls each day. A code White is when someone calls 911 needing an ambulance, and there are no ambulances available. The availability of first responders is a life of death matter and is my highest priority.

Book banning doesn't put anyone on the right side of history. I believe in the freedom of access to information in our public libraries. I also believe in parental discretion. But no one person or group should get to decide what books everyone else's child can access.

I'm truly split on this issue. On the one hand, I absolutely love all the greenway spaces and the accessibility for hiking and biking. I think they are an asset to the communities surrounding them. However, the Highlander Trail has received pushback from people who would be directly impacted by its development, and I don't want to blindly take a side without hearing them both out and weighing all information carefully. I haven't yet had the opportunity to have those conversations. Another consideration is should we ever move forward with high speed rail travel, those corridors might be used even if new rails needed to be installed.

I would bring a combination of healthcare experience, community service, and a deep-rooted commitment to Anderson County. As a registered nurse and diabetes educator, I work every day with individuals and families facing real challenges. That experience has taught me how to listen, solve problems, and make thoughtful, informed decisions—especially when resources are limited and needs are great. I understand how policy decisions affect people at the ground level, particularly when it comes to public health, access to services, and quality of life. That experience has strengthened my ability to listen, think critically, and act with both compassion and accountability —skills that directly translate to public service. Beyond my professional work, I’ve spent years actively involved in the community—building relationships, volunteering, and working with people of all ages. Those connections give me a clear understanding of the concerns and priorities of our residents, from young f

In Anderson County, our most urgent infrastructure needs are the ones that impact daily life and our ability to grow responsibly. First, we need to focus on road maintenance and traffic safety. With continued growth in areas like Oak Ridge and Clinton, we’re seeing more congestion and wear on our roads. Addressing problem intersections, improving road conditions, and planning ahead for future development has to be a priority. Second, expanding broadband access across the entire county is critical. While some areas are well-served, others still lack reliable high-speed internet. That gap affects education, job opportunities, and even access to healthcare, and it’s something we can’t afford to ignore. Third, we need to invest in our water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure. As our county grows, we have to make sure these systems can keep up—both to support new development and to protect the health and safety of the communities already here. Finally, maintaining and improving

I believe strongly in both protecting our children and respecting the rights of families, and I think we have to approach this issue with care and common sense. Public schools and libraries serve a wide range of families with different values. Because of that, I don’t support broad bans on books. Removing access entirely can limit learning and doesn’t reflect the diversity of our community. At the same time, I do believe parents should have a clear voice in what their children are exposed to. That means transparency, age-appropriate guidelines, and a fair, local review process when concerns are raised. Parents should feel heard and respected, and there should be a structured way to evaluate materials without turning it into a political fight. Ultimately, I trust our educators and librarians to do their jobs professionally, and I support policies that strike a balance—protecting students while also preserving access to information and ideas. This isn’t about extremes—it’s abou

I think the Rails to Trails proposals, like the Oak Ridge Rails to Trails project and the Highlander Trail, offer a lot of potential benefits for our community if they’re done thoughtfully and with local input. We’ve seen with the Oak Ridge Rails to Trails project how these kinds of investments can improve quality of life by creating safe spaces for walking, biking, and outdoor recreation. They also have the potential to support local tourism and small businesses, which can bring positive economic impact to Anderson County. At the same time, I understand why there’s concern around the Highlander Trail. When projects directly impact people’s property, privacy, and daily lives, those concerns deserve to be taken seriously. We should make sure those voices are heard and addressed through open communication and clear planning. We also have to be responsible with taxpayer dollars. Any project like this should be evaluated for long-term costs, maintenance, and overall return on in

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Experience is one of the greatest assets a commissioner can bring to public service. Understanding our history provides important perspective — it helps us recognize how we arrived at where we are today, learn from past decisions, and identify what has worked well and what areas may need improvement. That knowledge allows for more thoughtful and responsible decision-making.

My professional background comes from a thirty-year career in the financial management field, where I developed extensive experience in financial analysis, budgeting, long-term planning, and debt issuance. These skills have provided me with a strong understanding of the financial responsibilities that come with serving as a commissioner. I have been able to apply that knowledge by evaluating financial issues carefully, asking the right questions, and making decisions with confidence and a focus on fiscal responsibility.

Serving on the Anderson County Commission has been a privilege, and I believe my combination of historical perspective, public service experience, and financial expertise allows me to bring a unique and valuable viewpoint to the role. If given the opportunity to continue serving, I will remain committed to using my experience to help make informed decisions that benefit our community and its future.

One of the most urgent infrastructure needs facing Anderson County is continued improvement and expansion of reliable broadband access. While progress has been made, dependable internet service remains a significant issue for many citizens, particularly in the rural areas of our county.

The importance of broadband access was brought into clear focus during the COVID-19 pandemic, when students were required to participate in online learning while schools and classrooms were closed. Many students without reliable home internet had to find alternative locations — sometimes driving to library parking lots or fast-food establishments — just to complete assignments or attend classes virtually. That is not the level of access we should expect for students in a community that values education and opportunity.

Reliable internet is also increasingly essential for adults and families. Many everyday activities that are often taken for granted depend on consistent connectivity, including telehealth appointments, financial services, employment opportunities, access to government resources, and timely weather and emergency information. Broadband is no longer simply a convenience or luxury; it has become a basic component of participating fully in modern life.

Although improvements have been made and efforts continue to expand service, every household without reliable internet access represents a resident who is at a disadvantage. Continued investment and collaboration to improve broadband availability throughout Anderson County should remain a priority so that all citizens have the opportunity to learn, work, and stay connected.

My understanding and opinion regarding book restrictions in public schools and libraries is shaped both by history and by my personal experience as a parent. Throughout history, efforts to ban or restrict books have occurred for many different reasons, and the debate is not a new one. In fact, the history of book banning in North America goes back to a 1650 pamphlet that questioned Calvinist doctrine.

My perspective on the value of books was strongly influenced by raising my daughter and encouraging her lifelong love of reading. I believed in exposing her to challenging books, important books, and stories that helped her better understand the world around her. Books have the ability to introduce young readers to different perspectives, difficult topics, and experiences beyond their own. Many of the books she read while growing up explored complex issues involving history, race, hardship, relationships, and the human experience. Titles such as The Kite Runner, Like Water for Elephants, Anne Frank, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, and works by authors such as Jodi Picoult helped shape her understanding of the world and contributed to her becoming an engaged and thoughtful reader. My grandaughter has autism, and her mother’s world experience has helped in raising her.

I also believe parents have the important role in guiding what their own children read. Families have different values, perspectives, and expectations, and parents should have the ability to make decisions for their children. However, I do not believe one parent’s decision should automatically determine what every other child in the community is allowed to access.

Public schools and libraries serve a broad community, and their role is to provide access to information, encourage learning, and support literacy. As a commissioner, I do not believe it is my responsibility to determine what is appropriate for every individual child. That responsibility belongs first with the parent.

My opinion of Rails to Trails proposals is shaped by both personal experience and an understanding of the potential benefits and concerns that come with these projects. The Monon Trail of Indiana has become a tremendous example of how a trail can positively impact a community. Contrary to the concerns some originally had, the Monon Trail helped bring investment, redevelopment, housing opportunities, and economic growth to areas that had experienced decline. It created a space where people could combine outdoor recreation, exercise, social connection, and local businesses. The trail now connects historic neighborhoods, the city’s downtown area, and the community of Carmel, attracting more than a million visitors each year.

I also understand that the proposed Rails to Trails project involving Anderson County is a more complex discussion. Much of the proposed trail would pass through rural and previously undeveloped areas, and some residents have understandably had concerns about what impact a trail could have on their communities. Many of those concerns were based on uncertainty about how a trail might affect the character of the area and what benefits it would actually bring.

However, after residents visited successful examples such as the Virginia Creeper Trail, many gained a firsthand understanding of the opportunities these projects can create. A trail is not simply a path for recreation; it can become a catalyst for tourism, small business growth, community pride, and new opportunities for future generations.

One of the most compelling comments I heard came from a resident who expressed concern that their small community was declining and asked what could be done to keep young people there by creating jobs and opportunities. That perspective captures why I believe this proposal deserves serious consideration. While Rails to Trails projects can be challenging to explain and build support for, I believe the potential benefits are significant.