Senator, Kansas State House of Representatives, District 33, 2017-2021

Candidate, Kansas State Senate, District 33, 2020

Former Member, Agriculture Committee, Kansas State Senate

Former Member, Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, Kansas State Senate

Former Member, Corrections and Juvenile Justice Oversight Committee, Kansas State Senate

Former Member, Education Committee, Kansas State Senate

Former Member, Natural Resources Committee, Kansas State Senate

Former Member, Pensions, Investments and Benefits Committee, Kansas State Senate

Former Member, Public Health and Welfare, Kansas State Senate

Superintendent, Stafford School District, 2001-present

Former Teacher, High School Social Studies

Middle School/ High School Principal, Unified School District 349, 1996-2001

Teacher, Unified School District 357, 1986-1996

Member, Board of Directors, Stafford County Economic Development, present

Member, Circle, present

Director, Stafford Education Foundation, present

Member, Training to Lead Board, present

Number of Grandchildren:

15

Priority Issues:

- Budget
- Schools
- Social Issues
- Judicial Funding
- Higher Education Funding

Reason for Seeking Public Office:

I care for Kansas' future.
I'm interested in positive solutions, not punitive ones.
I am disappointed at the directions my beloved state is trending toward.

As Tip O'Neill is famous for saying, "All politics are local." When it boils down to it, we want policies and services that make our lives in our communities good places to live, thrive, and work. That's why the democratic process must be preserved. It is not a perfect government, but it is still the best that has been created in the history of mankind.

Many things in Kansas feel off, or counterintuitive. For example, what is right about a successful business owner paying fewer taxes than his or her office staff? What is right about raising sales tax that are largely punitive to the poor, who just want to buy groceries? Why is it advantageous to marginalize public school teachers, who are caring, underpaid professionals with Bachelor's and Master's degrees? Why should it be suggested public funds be diverted to private schools? Why doesn't the legislature have a long-term plan for fiscal accountability and prosperity? Are we attracting business from other locations, or does the unusual climate of the Brownback administration drive people away? Why do legislative leaders stand with their finger in the fiscal dyke of state tough financial decisions, rather than use their expertise and resources to create a long-range plan of Kansas's prosperity?

I realize a vote for me is only a gesture toward change in Topeka, but it must start, one district at a time. I am ready, willing, and able to provide an alternative candidate to the failed policies of those that follow, rank and file, the failed experiment of Governor Brownback. Voters of District 33 have a choice.

I have some skin in the game. I am a lifelong Kansan. My parents are lifelong Kansans. My grandparents migrated to Kansas during tough times of the depression because Kansas was the best option for their lives. They all felt that moving to Kansas was the best move they made for their futures. I would like to be the mother, grandmother, wife, sister, and friend that returns to that very important essence that re-ignites Kansas to reach for the starts as our ancestors did.

Spouse's Occupation:

Former Mayor, Former City Council Member