Why should you elect me?
Quite simply, I have spent the past four years being there. I always smile when someone is shocked that I answer my own phone. Maybe it’s because people often think of their elected officials as being out of reach, but frankly I like being there. I’m your neighbor. And if you’ve got a problem, let’s see what we can do to fix it.
My proudest moments in this job have been when I’ve helped make a resident’s everyday life just a little better. Whether it was the crumbling cul-de-sac in Lamar Heights that I fought to get repaved; or the dangerously-low power lines that had been hung incorrectly; or the absentee landlord that refused to address mold concerns… I’ve been there. I’ve stood by you. And we've solved these problems, together. That’s why I’m running to be your Mayor.
In the community:
On Monday nights you’ll find me on the Council Dais, but the real work is done out in the city. I proudly sit on the Board of Directors for the Arvada Center for the Arts & Humanities and the Arvada Visitors Center. I also serve as City Council liaison to Arvada Fire and the Arvada Audit Committee.
Each quarter, I engage with residents on major issues facing our community as co-host of the North JeffCo Townhall, in partnership with County Commissioner Tracy Kraft-Tharp and Westminster City Councilor Sarah Nurmela. And in 2021, I was named Vice Chair of the once-in-a-decade Arvada Charter Review Committee, a citizen review panel dedicated to ensuring that the city’s “Constitution” remains responsive to our citizens and modern needs. That work yielded three successful ballot initiatives updating our City Charter. I’m active with the Arvada-Jefferson Kiwanis Club, Elks Lodge #2278, and the Arvada Chamber.
But my most important job is as a wife and mother. My daughter, Tabitha, is fourth-generation Coloradoan and is the delight of my life. My husband, Steven, is a small business owner and operator, and his support is the reason I am able to do this work in our community. Our family can often be found attending shows and classes at the Arvada Center (where I'm a proud dance mom!), staying active at APEX, or relaxing on a patio in Olde Town with our dog, Zoe.
Giving Back:
This community is my home, and the best part of this job is when I get to be out there making a difference for others:
- Each Thanksgiving and Christmas, I organize Chow for Champions to cater meals for every first responder in the city working the holiday, in gratitude for what they do for us.
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In the immediate aftermath of the devastating Marshall Fire, my Council colleague Lisa (Smith) Feret and I teamed-up to organize a regional giftcard campaign. We raised $69,000+ in the first two weeks to directly help fire victims replace immediate needs.
- I contacted city council counterparts representing thirteen cities across four counties to recruit giftcard drop-site locations as well as undertook an aggressive media push to get the word out. 100% of the raised funds went to help those displaced by the fire.
- From Fall 2022-Spring 2023, I co-chaired the annual "Arts for All Gala", the largest fundraiser of the year for the Arvada Center. This event raised $218,000 in support of our youth arts education programming.
- At the onset of the pandemic, I organized a diapers and supplies drive for Hope House to help support some of our most vulnerable residents. I also personally delivered PPE to local businesses as part of the response to keep our economy open.
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In Summer 2022, I partnered with the local non-profit Hope, Connection & Community to organize the “Hope for Kids” back-to-school drive.
- We raised $15,000 in six weeks to help 104 local students in-need have a fantastic start to their school year by treating them to a very special new clothes and shoes shopping experience as well as new backpacks with complete school supplies.
- We also gathered classroom supplies for teachers at Title 1 schools, which were distributed through The Action Center.
- This program is coming back in Summer 2023!