F.A.Q.
Accountability, what have you done?
Start listening then ACT!
How can you expect to be productive in Olympia?
What makes you qualified for State Representative?
How would you recognize and accommodate change?
Serving as a Fiscal Steward!
How to reengage our citizens.
Partnerships, are they important?
Q: Q: Your constituents want accountability, what can you offer to this position to assist in accountability?
A: In my service on the Enumclaw School Board our motto has been to ensure all decisions are conducted in an open, honest and transparent process. All of our regular board meetings are on public television; something many school districts refuse to allow. We reach out to our constituents by way of school messaging, the Connections page in the Enumclaw Courier Herald, climate surveys. That data collected from our community, staff, parents and students are used in setting vision and decision making.
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Q: We hear candidate’s that say they are going to listen to their constituency, is that what you feel your position as a State Representative is?
A: Listening is an important aspect in public service. After listening, ACTING is the most important responsibility of a State Representative. One of the newly adopted goals for the Enumclaw School District was to promote the growth of professional learning communities within all of our schools. The board was charged with figuring out how to give staff the time necessary to best improve student learning. We went out to the public with several meetings collecting input from parents, students, staff and community businesses. The 2009-2010 school year has proven to be extremely successful in accommodating all parties and actually making a difference in student learning.
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Q: The Republican Party in the Washington State Legislature is the minority party, how do you think you can make a difference?
A: I believe with my whole heart that one voice can make a difference in Olympia. When I was first elected to my board position in 2005, I also was in the minority when it came to the changes that needed to occur in order to bring our district up to the level we are today. This was achieved by working along side board members that were reluctant of change.
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Q: You have served on a school board for over 4 years, what makes you qualified to serve as a State Representative?
A: My experience in public service along-side a strong work ethic I can affect change in Olympia. Now in my 5th year of service on the Enumclaw School Board I have learned first hand the effects of our current economy on our staff and students. We have seen an over 23% increase in applications for the federal free and reduced lunch program over the last 2 years. Families in all communities are struggling. Schools are at the front line of the battlefield in dealing with economic crisis in families. I have dealt with issues on crime, transportation, health care, energy, DSHS, wasteful government regulations and spending all while trying to educate the children of the Enumclaw School District. Am I an expert on all of these topics? No. Do I have relevant and practical experience in all of these areas? YES!
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Q: How would you recognize and accommodate change?
A: Recognizing that change needs to occur is the first obstacle. By declaring my candidacy I have acknowledged that I believe change must occur to move our values forward. To accommodate change you need to be brave enough to stand up for what you believe in.
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Q: How would you serve as a fiscal steward?
A: This is a top priority when I serve you as the next State Representative from the 31st Legislative District. I am a fiscal conservative! The money that has been spent over the last 10 years at the state level is deplorable and has lead us to the current debt and unemployment rates. As a board member we have directed our district administration to maintain an unreserved fund balance of 5%, a task that very few of the 295 districts in this state have achieved. I have proven myself to be a responsible steward of the funds Enumclaw School District receives and the taxpayer’s dollars.
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Q: Given the complacency among many when it comes to politics, do you have a plan to reengage the citizens?
A: Our government has been built…”by the people and for the people”. I have motivated many non-political individuals at the grass roots level to become involved with my campaign. They are learning how important their voice can be Olympia. I will continue to spur action in our community of the 31st district. If YOU are interested in becoming involved in my campaign click on the join us link
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Q: Do you foster partnerships?
A: Partnerships are a critical piece in setting a vision for our future. By developing many different relationships with private and public entities I have gained more insight and data to assist in making educated decisions. While serving as the school board president for the last two years I have developed partnerships with different community groups. I was instrumental in celebrating and recognizing the service of past board members that still live and work in our communities. Enumclaw High School now has 29% of staff Nationally Board Certified, more than any other high school in the state of Washington. I have actively participated in our community Hospital Foundation Auction, the Chamber of Commerce Auction and promoted the arts. Many of our district administration team serves our community on the Rotary, Lions and Kiwanis organizations. As a board member we encourage and support partnerships in many different areas throughout the Enumclaw School District.
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