Identify your top three (3) issues that you wish to address during your tenure in office and rank them in order of priority.
1. Environmental Sustainability Protecting our environment and ensuring its sustainability for future generations is one of my top priorities. I believe in implementing green technologies, reducing carbon emissions and preserving natural resources. Together, we can create a cleaner and healthier community for all.
2. Smart Development I believe in smart development that prioritizes sustainable growth while preserving our community's unique character. This means supporting responsible land use policies and investing in infrastructure to accommodate new growth while protecting our green spaces and historic buildings. I will work with stakeholders to ensure our community continues to thrive and prosper for future generations.
3. Fiscal Transparency I will prioritize promoting economic growth while maintaining fiscal responsibility and transparency. I believe in investing in the community through education, infrastructure, and job creation, while also being mindful of taxpayers' hard-earned dollars. By utilizing data-driven decision making, I will ensure that every dollar is spent effectively and efficiently to enhance the well-being of our residents. It is essential that the community have confidence in how their tax dollars are being spent.
What do you believe is the role of the City Council in our community?
This community is home. My entire family lives in my district. I attribute much of my success and opportunity to this city. We have wonderful schools, safe neighborhoods, and a high quality of life. My father didn’t even graduate high school and my mom was a young, single mom. I think that living in this city greatly contributed to my ability to attend college and break generational barriers like poverty, and I believe the role of the City Council is to ensure all of our neighbors have this sense of belonging, community and opportunity. The City Council should support first responders and maintain current infrastructure. I also believe that the City Council should work to create new opportunities so Carmel can grow, attract new business, and continue to be the best place for Hoosiers to live and thrive.
What experiences and qualities do you think makes you the best candidate for this position?
I grew up in the district I am running in and have lived here for over 30 years. Much of my district, including the area I grew up in, actually wasn’t officially part of the City of Carmel until it was annexed in 2018. This area resisted annexation for several years until it lost a court battle. Growing up here, I was raised by a young, single mom, and she often struggled to make ends meet. Carmel offered me a great education, which allowed me to become a first generation college graduate earning not only a bachelor's degree but a masters degree, as well. I believe I am the right person to represent my district because I want to give back to the city that afforded me so much opportunity and because I have a unique understanding of the district and what sets it apart from the rest of the city.
I have a bachelor's degree in Public Financial Management and a master’s degree in Environmental Policy and Sustainability from Indiana University O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs. I also have a Business Foundations Certificate from the Kelley School of Business, and I currently serve as a Senior Environmental Manager for the Indiana Department of Environmental Management.
Carmel is a beautiful, vibrant, and safe city that attracts businesses and families from all around the world. To keep Carmel a top rated city, I would like to see green spaces preserved and bring new ideas to the council to enact environmentally friendly policies. We must be responsible stewards of our natural resources because our children and future generations depend on it.
I believe one way to advance the goals of environmental sustainability is to be thoughtful and intentional when making decisions about development. My education and current work at the Indiana Department of Environmental Management provide me with the experience needed to put action behind these ideas on the City Council.
How will you work with OneZone Chamber to ensure a thriving business community?
I will support policies that ensure Carmel remains a business friendly environment and support investment in our city. I believe we should continue to offer desirable amenities that make Carmel stand out. These investments are good for businesses because the high quality of life that Carmel offers attracts a talented workforce, which is why Carmel has so many corporate headquarters. I am committed to having a thriving business environment because businesses in Carmel are a significant reason for the high quality of life in Carmel due to the tax revenue they contribute to the city.
I will also support our police, fire, and other first responders to ensure our city remains safe. A safe city attracts and retains a talented workforce, which is important for a healthy local economy.
I will work with and meet with OneZone Chamber of Commerce to hear your organization’s goals and concerns. I am committed to listening and learning from your organization’s expertise.
How can voters connect with you? (email, social media, etc.)