Identify your top three (3) issues that you wish to address during your tenure in office and rank them in order of priority.
As your city councilwoman, please know I am passionate about three main things in the City of Fishers: safety, prosperity, and building community. I will work to fully fund our first responders; improve traffic safety--our roads, intersections, and visibility; build business partnerships to benefit young members of the workforce, and grow our community amenities to ensure Fishers remains a vibrant place to live and call home.
What do you believe is the role of the City Council in our community?
On paper, City Councilors work to pass ordinances and approve the mayor's budget, very much like the Legislative Branch of Government. In addition, I want to maintain contact with my constituents and understand their needs, challenges and triumphs. I want to ensure residents feel and are connected to their elected officials.
What experiences and qualities do you think makes you the best candidate for this position?
I am the best candidate for Fishers City Council At-Large because I am skilled, I care, and I am prepared. I have a robust professional background in military, healthcare, entrepreneurship and community service. I've been blessed with the opportunity to live in different states, countries, and conditions; hence, I bring a broad perspective and skillset to the Fishers City Council. In totality, I understand the importance of solid budgeting in effort to direct the disposition of resources, how to build and deliver programs to support communities.
I have interacted with Hoosiers all over Indiana and witnessed efforts to balance money to pay for bills, feeding families, and paying for healthcare. Also, I know the importance of hard work, persistence and sacrifice to support a family. MOST IMPORTANTLY, I care about people--understanding their needs, problems, and goals AND working to connect them with solutions, decision makers, or gaining a better understanding of issues.
At the end of the day, people want to be heard and have their concerns acknowledged. I also enjoy celebrating victories with people--service awards, promotions, retirements, and superlative civic engagement. I am here for the people. Currently, I serve on boards at various levels including my church, the Fishers Armed Forces Commission, the Hamilton East Public Library Board, Catholic Charities of Indianapolis, and the Indiana USO Board while running a real estate business and co-chairing the Fishers GOP Club.
I earned an MBA from Indiana Wesleyan, and most recently completed the Indiana GOP Diversity Leadership Series, the Richard G. Lugar Excellence in Public Service Series, and am currently enrolled in the Indiana Leadership Forum. I recently completed the Fishers Government Academy and the Fishers Citizens Fire Academy. I loved the opportunity to learn about how our vibrant city works. As I said upfront, I am ready and prepared to join the Fishers City Council and I am solid candidate for every resident to consider supporting with their vote!
How will you work with OneZone Chamber to ensure a thriving business community?
As an entrepreneur and small business owner, I want to work with the OneZone Chamber to build public/private partnerships to help high school students gain real-world, workforce experience in various hospitality, city government, and private sector career fields. We know students have three routes--higher education, trade schools, or enlistment. Some students will immediately join the workforce, and I believe we can work together to help the next generation of young adults develop skills, capabilities, and experiences to be successful professionals.
In addition to building our local workforce, this type of partnership may positively impact students' mental health by allowing them to build their self-efficacy by connecting with co-workers, learning new skills, growing problem solving skills, and building self-esteem. This is a WIN-WIN! Young workers learn entry-level skills in the private and public sectors; thus, helping entities reduce a bit of overhead.