VOTE411 Voter Guide

Candidate has not yet responded.

Candidate has not yet responded.

I am running for Elk Rapids Village Council Trustee because I care deeply about our community and want to help ensure decisions are fair, responsible, and in the best interests of all residents.

My 41-year career in healthcare taught me the value of preparation, accountability, sound judgment, quick decision-making, and clear communication. I earned my Associate degree at Henry Ford Community College. While working full-time on midnights, I attended Wayne State University (also full-time) to earn my Bachelor’s degree. I continued on to pursue my Master’s degree in Anesthesia at the University of Detroit Mercy. I ultimately became a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) and at one point served as a Lead CRNA.

My Husband and I have owned our Elk Rapids home since 1996 and I have regularly attended Village Council meetings since 2020, reviewing agendas and packets and bringing forward concerns affecting our community. I am also a 2025 graduate of the Elk Rapids Citizens Academy.

I want to bring my professional experience, community involvement, and commitment to Elk Rapids to the Council. I will listen to residents, ask questions, uphold ordinances and laws, and work collaboratively for the entire community.

My priorities are transparency, accountability and communication; responsible use of taxpayer dollars; consistent enforcement; safe connectivity; and affordable housing.

Transparency, accountability and communication build public trust. Residents deserve timely information, meaningful input, and responses. I would improve communication and explain decisions clearly.

I would prioritize using taxpayer dollars wisely and addressing Village needs. Safe sidewalks and connectivity are important, especially for children. Connecting Lamoreaux subdivision, Miller Park and the Elk Rapids apartments with sidewalks would provide safer routes to downtown and school. I would consider costs carefully and not support significant Village resources for a TAP project outside Village limits while important needs remain.

Ordinances must be enforced fairly and consistently. I would help establish a written enforcement policy outlining consequences when laws are not followed. Enforcement needs “teeth” and must apply equally to everyone.

I would pursue affordable housing options, including outside the Village through collaboration with Elk Rapids Township. Housing is a community-wide issue, and I believe we can accomplish more by working together.

Candidate has not yet responded.

Candidate has not yet responded.

I am an active community leader in Elk Rapids. I currently serve in a volunteer capacity as Beautification Commission Chairperson, Materials Management Committee Member, Shoreline Committee Member, and more. If it involves communication or the environment, I am probably involved.

I previously served on the Village Council as a Trustee from December 2020 through November 2024. I took an active role in advocating for better communication at all levels. I was instrumental in establishing a Village presence at Wednesday Evenings on River Street, creating and running a Citizens Academy, taking steps to achieve Monarch City USA membership, and more. I served on the Communications Committee and stepped up to help on several sensitive matters. I was the liaison to the Elk Rapids Township Board and served on the Beautification Commission. I also reviewed the Village's monthly payables and am one of the few who understand Fund Accounting.

I have a unique set of skills and lived experiences that make me qualified for the role of Trustee. I am a professional volunteer administrator and solicit and welcome input. I seek to learn and understand, and I always do my research. I continually advocate for citizen input and education.

I closely review the annual proposed budget and always seek to understand the needs behind the expenditures. Headlee has caused the actual mill rate to go down slightly; increased housing values have boosted our annual budget beyond anticipated income amounts. It is about to hit a point where spending is not supported by property tax income. The question will come to whether to increase taxes or cut spending. I believe spending at every level must be examined and cut to the point that it is noticed by residents. Only then should tax increases be presented to constituents.

Our Village government must also do a better job of tracking activities, projects, and past decisions...and keep things on track. Time is wasted when we don't have details. We re-address issues, not knowing how they were previously addressed. I keep finding myself asking, "Why don't we know this?" and looking for resources. Village Staff and Council need better tracking of institutional knowledge so they can better serve citizens. Two years ago, the majority of Council turned over. Once again, 4 out of 7 could be new. I am running on information and procedure, aiming for continuity and action. This support will save money and frustration.

Candidate has not yet responded.

Candidate has not yet responded.