“Why am I running for Borough Assembly?” This question has been asked of me several times over the past few weeks. Those who know me shake their heads and smile. They know me. They know I am someone who loves being involved and is constantly taking on new challenges. Those who do not know me are genuinely curious.

I continue to work full time as a public school guidance counselor. I have been an educator my entire career. I truly enjoy working with teenagers and providing assistance to them in their daily lives and guidance in reaching their future endeavors and goals. Throughout my years as an educator, I have witnessed many changes. Regardless of the challenges and the changes, I always try to remain positive and to understand the challenges before me. What hasn’t changed is how important education is to our communities and our nation. I will always be an advocate for students who desire the best education possible.

In 2012, my family and I started a small business, Alaska Summer Peonies. As a small business owner, I know the value of hard work and getting my hands dirty. I’ve spent a lot of time digging weeds and planting roots. But the hard work has paid off, and we have now planted our first two fields and are hoping to begin harvesting in the summer of 2016. We quite literally “bought the farm” and had a small section of the barn converted into our living space. Our middle son is one of our business partners. He and our youngest son live on the property. Our oldest son lives with his family in Anchorage. Donovan our four year old grandson loves visiting the farm and riding the tractors.

While busy, it seemed the right time to run for public office. Politics has always interested me and I stay informed and involved in local issues. Like most long term residents, I am heavily invested in our community. I will work tirelessly to encourage, promote, and protect a healthy community and environment for our residents. Responsible funding of and maintaining our schools has been and will continue to be a top priority for me. If elected to the assembly, I will stress the importance of the assembly and borough administration in working with the school board and the district administration to develop a deeper understanding of their respective budgets, needs, and issues.

Public service is a daunting responsibility, and I won’t take my responsibilities lightly. I have always believed if a job is worth doing, it is worth doing well. As the great American poet Walt Whitman said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” I would truly appreciate your vote on Tuesday, October 7th.