Dedicated, responsive, strategically focused and proactive – with the time and experience to work effectively now.
My track record as your Commissioner:
Initiatives that I identified as priorities four years ago that have been accomplished or progressed:
Capital program with financial analysis of our needs, priorities, and capabilities
Town Green construction (after long-term planning, finance, and design work) and progress on Commercial Site
Adoption of a Downtown Street Grid Plan and beginning implementation (including street types and treatments)
New Comprehensive Zoning Code
Downtown parking lot (funded and planned by DDA)
City-wide storm water infrastructure assessment and prioritization of projects; implementation of projects
Adopted Downtown and Residential Tree Ordinance
Historic Preservation Commission Guidelines update
Continued key decisions on US278 Complete Street Project (construction to begin summer, 2022)
Other projects that it has been my privilege to work on:
Formation of Welcome Avondale Estates Committee
Public Works building renovation and new equipment
New Classification and Compensation Plan (raised entry level wages to nearly $15/hour)
Support of police department state accreditation and audit (includes policy and procedure updates) and continuing discussions on next steps
Comprehensive Plan update
First general fund policy and communication policy
Downtown Entertainment District
_______
While I believe my decisions and contributions have been part of making these accomplishments happen, every one of them has been a team effort involving others — including city staff and fellow board members, the Downtown Development Authority, experts and consultants, and Avondale Estates citizens. The number and scope of these projects is a credit to teamwork and collaboration. I am happy to elaborate on my role in the above named and any other City projects.
RESPONSIVE
My favorite part of the commission job is talking with residents. We may not agree on every point, but I find that we leave these exchanges better informed and better understood. Whether you contact me by email, by phone, or stop me on my daily walk, run, or bike ride, I am happy to chat. Or set up a one-on-one meeting with me at one of our great coffee spots or via Zoom. I also introduced and have resumed regular Commissioner Chats now that our area is adjusting to the new normal. Whatever is convenient for you, I will be there. Just ask anyone.
EXPERIENCED
For the last three and a half years, I have been in the unique position of serving on both the Board of Mayor and Commissioners (BOMC) and the Downtown Development Authority (per BOMC approval). As such, I am 100% up-to date and informed on current city direction, process, and issues. In this time of great change and decision for our city, I continue to be ready and able to serve with in-depth knowledge and experience.
My experience and interest in City of Avondale business didn’t start when I was elected. In the years prior, I participated in planning sessions and workshops such as our Downtown Master Plan Update and Walkability Audit. I attended BOMC, DDA, PZB and other city meetings on a regular basis. As a result, I was asked to serve on two Comprehensive Plan Steering Committees including the most recent (2021). Long before I was elected and as a founding member of the citizen group Second Century Avondale, I advocated for a walkable downtown with a signature green space and helped educate and inform our community about successful, vision-driven urban development.
DEDICATED
At this point in my life, our community is my number one work priority. The commission is my job. I value thorough research and information as a basis for good decision-making. I do my homework. I go beyond general concepts and familiarize myself with details and nuances. I weigh the pros and cons. I ensure that I am well prepared and informed in order to make the best decisions possible.
STRATEGIC
Short term concerns are important and need to be addressed. And residents bring me good ideas for potential future improvements every day. But we don’t have enough money and time to do everything at one time. How do we choose? I prioritize capital dollar investment in projects by evaluating the long term benefits – financial and otherwise – to the city. This is why I believe spending responsibly now on storm water management, street infrastructure, and a town green to stimulate downtown development is so important for our future. Being strategic about where these dollars are spent now may help keep taxes lower in the future. Taking advantage of opportunities now will increase quality of life for all moving forward.
PROACTIVE
Updating city policies and procedures ensures that we are operating efficiently, economically, and equitably. Periodic review at all levels of the city helps us implement best practices. While not everything can be done at once, an attitude that strives toward continued improvement — not acceptance of the status quo — is imperative to the healthy functioning of our municipal management and government.
My husband and I have lived in Avondale Estates for 31 years. We bought our home here as a young newly married couple, raised our children here, and are now empty nesters. I have experienced Avondale at virtually all homeowning ages and stages, so I am sensitive to what nurtures our sense of community at every stage of life.
As someone with a science background, I value thorough research and informed, evidence-based decision making. That said, I believe that the intangibles can matter as much as data and dollars when considering some issues. Maintaining quality of life for residents is important. Preserving and growing — beyond our traditional single-family residential district — our distinct identity and character is important.