Education, Experience
Graduate Muhlenberg Township High School; graduate The American University, Washington, DC, with dual bachelor's degrees in political science and communications. Experienced journalist covering government, business, education, and other key beats over the years; also, several years as communications manager for local chamber; past assignment editor local television news.
Qualifications
In addition to previously mentioned experience, served as District 5 City Council representative for nearly 20 years; last 2 1/2 years as Council president; former member city planning commission; member representing city on Reading Area Transportation Study; council liaison for BCTV and Stadium Commission; member, Foundation for the Reading Pagoda.
As a longtime member, I've been part of the process that saved the Antietam Lake watershed for perpetual preservation; for a decade worked with Council colleagues and administration to exit Act 47 and place city on road to financial stability. Helped steer city through the political/corruption crises of the mid-teens and restore faith in city government through community outreach. I've been a voice of reason and consistency, both as a district representative and as Council VP and president.
Economic development and encourage home ownership -- work with private and public sectors to grow opportunities in the city. Support of CRIZ is critical. Also, look at other authorities for better performance.
Fiscal diligence -- we must make sure spending is done responsibly and never fall back to Act 47, or worse, status.
Public safety and infrastructure -- police, fire, and public works must be supported. Good roads, parks, bridges, and sidewalks must be priorities for a thriving city.
We can learn a lot from the successes of our neighboring cities. We need to enforce codes and focus on blighted properties to improve neighborhoods and make them more attractive.
We also need to jumpstart the downtown...the Stantec plan offers a good start. We need to encourage and attract quality developers, both local and out of town. I'm encouraged by the efforts of the Shuman Group and Philly Office Retail among others. We have iconic buildings that can be reimagined for optimum future use.
Education, Experience
High School diploma, Certified Massage Therapist, Raised in a working-class family in Reading; experienced firsthand the struggles and strength of our community. Former janitor, packer, line mechanic, and customer service rep, deep understanding of hard work and resilience. Small business owner since 2021, I know what it takes to build from the ground up. Lifelong community volunteer. Serve as Constituent Services Advisor for a State Rep. while also Current Reading City Council Member.
Qualifications
Proven Public Servant, Experienced Constituent Advocate, Community Organizer, Small Business Owner, Hands-On Work History, Civic Leadership Roles, Bilingual & Culturally Competent
Campaign Phone
7173802820
I bring lived experience, public service, and leadership. As a current Councilmember and former nonprofit board member, I understand governance, legislation, and community needs. I’ve led cleanups, hosted events, and passed resolutions focused on safety and transparency. As Council President, I’ll unite voices, lead with action, and work to move Reading forward for all.
My top 3 priorities are: 1) Strengthening communication and transparency between Council and the public through accessible meetings and regular updates; 2) Promoting unity and collaboration within Council to get things done for our residents; and 3) Passing practical legislation that improves daily life, including traffic safety, affordable housing, youth programs, and support for local businesses.
Revitalizing Reading means more than beautification, it’s about making our city a place people want to live, work, and invest in. I’ll fight to clean up blighted properties, hold absentee landlords accountable, and use tools like CRIZ to attract businesses and jobs. With passenger rail returning, we have a chance to reconnect Reading to the region. I’m committed to clean streets, vibrant events, and strong infrastructure to move our city forward.
Education, Experience
Bachelor's and Master's in Education; Former Reading School District Educator; Current City Councilwoman
Qualifications
Board Member serving multiple city boards; 15 years of Leadership Experience in Public Service; Certified in Municipal Budgeting and Finance
Campaign Phone
484.577.3669
My qualifications consist of a strong educational background, extended public service experience in leadership roles, certified in municipal government, financial/ budgeting, and land use/ zoning courses, and Reading city council experience. I am a former educational leader of my local school district and a licensed real estate agent in Reading. I currently serve on city's Redevelopment Authority to tackle blight and prioritize underdeveloped properties and neighborhoods in Reading.
Revitalize downtown using our city's strategic plan and also working collaboratively with the CRIZ to enhance target areas for economic development.
Strengthen the relationship with the administration and the legislative body to ensure seamless implementation of policy changes and adaptations.
Embrace outreach efforts with stakeholders, community partners, legislators and constituents to ensure transparency, accessibility, and inclusion of legislative efforts.
With the housing and blight strategic plan, we can target areas of blight that are affecting the growth of our downtown. Council has the opportunity to amend and adopt ordinances and/or resolutions that work in favor of these changes. The downtown strategic plan promotes sidewalk cafes, multi-use building with commercial storefronts, green landscaping and beautification areas, bicycle lanes and pedestrian walkways. We must encourage more business development but also housing opportunities.
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Candidate has not yet responded.
