VOTE411 Voter Guide

My policy focus revolves around three key areas. First, I’m committed to economic policies that ensure you can earn a good living and retire with dignity after years of hard work. My legislative efforts prioritize investments in infrastructure, childcare, and workforce development, while also addressing inflationary pressures. By increasing household incomes and reducing poverty, we can tackle some of the most pressing challenges in our community.

Second, I advocate for policies that foster a safe and healthy community where we care for each other, live free from violence, and respect the personal decisions made between individuals and their healthcare providers.

Third, I’m dedicated to strengthening our public education system, ensuring our children are equipped for success and honoring the dedication of our teachers and staff. With a background deeply rooted in education, I understand the critical importance of investing in our future.

Balance is essential. Extreme positions and voices often do more harm than good for our community. Our real strength lies in our shared values, yet our current politics seem stuck in a 'my way or the highway' mentality, which isn’t serving us well. Anyone who has been in a marriage, relationship, or meaningful partnership knows that success requires compromise and collaboration. A balanced approach, where we seek common ground on important issues, is far more effective for our constituents. Restoring respect, civility, and integrity in our political discourse is crucial if we want our government to truly serve the people. I am dedicated to being a leader who bridges divides to achieve results that matter for our community and future generations.

Throughout my career, I have developed strong problem-solving and collaboration skills that consistently deliver results. My varied professional background has given me the opportunity to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds, enriching my understanding of different perspectives. I have collaborated closely with educators and businesses, gaining insight into the challenges our community faces. I know when to step up and lead, and when to listen and learn. Above all, I am committed to working together with others, including those with differing viewpoints, to achieve the best outcomes for everyone.

Community engagement is central to my life. I have chaired the Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau Board, served on the Airport Task Force, and was named one of Springfield’s Influential Women in 2014.

Throughout my career, I have secured grants for first-generation high school students, providing financial resources and mentorship. I’m also an active member of Springfield's Downtown Rotary Club, valuing service above self.

As a legislator, I have served on the House Budget Committee, collaborating with community members and local officials to secure funding for Springfield-specific projects. These efforts have led to several transformative initiatives that will enhance our community and essential support to those in need.

I am passionate about criminal justice, small business, and education. I'm passionate about these subjects because: (1) we have a crime problem, and I am a former prosecutor; (2) our small businesses are a vital part of our economy yet are under tremendous stress, and (3) we seem to be paying more for education but getting worse outcomes.

I will seek to work with interested stakeholders to examine present laws, regulations, and agencies operate, both as intended and in fact, to see how public policy may be improved. My intention is to make common sense, incremental change for good based on objective social science and economic data to improve outcomes for all Missourians.

I bring a lifetime of public service experience, working with extraordinarily diverse groups of people to consistently achieve success for my teams, whether working with members of Congress and their committee staffs to address concerns and pass federal legislation for the Military Academy, advising senior military leaders on a multitude of subjects, or managing complex litigation.

I've been an active member of my church (All Saints), my Rotary Club (Southeast, and its Helping Hands and Fellowship committees), and the Greene County GOP (former TARGET club president and board member). I have also been a member of the Springfield Daily Citizen Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Board.