As local legislators who sometimes have executive power, council members can propose ordinances, set administrative policy, and authorize the budget proposed by the mayor. They oversee all city activities, including city services, programs, licensing, and public safety. Mayoral appointments to city government typically require council approval.Learn more here: https://www.lwv.org/blog/voting-local-matters-why-vote-city-councilUse the MN Secretary of State’s Candidate Filing page (https://candidates.sos.mn.gov/) to find specific candidate contact information.Watch a candidate forum for this race recorded on September 29, 2026.
Rochester has been my home for 24 years. I’ve raised eight children here, been a foster parent, and coached young athletes. I know this ward because I’ve lived its life. The busy streets, the parks without shelters, the parents who just want their kids to get home safely. I’m not a politician; I’m a community advocate who listens first and acts second. I’ll put people before politics and deliver real results for everyday families. That’s the leader I’ve been my whole life, and the leader I’ll be for you.
Safer streets, park shelters, and accessible neighborhoods. I’ll use crash data to fix dangerous crossings, calm traffic, and fill sidewalk gaps so parents trust their kids get home safely. Ward 3 parks have no shelters. I’ll change that so families have places to gather. And I’ll improve accessibility and transit so every resident can move around our city safely and independently. These are practical improvements that make daily life better. Exactly what local government should deliver.
Representation starts with listening. I’ll hold regular ward meetings, show up at neighborhood events, and keep open lines of communication so every resident — longtime homeowner or new neighbor — knows their voice matters. My life has been about serving this community: as a foster parent, youth coach, and advocate for people with disabilities. I’ll bring that same people-first approach to City Hall. Your concern will be heard — and I’ll fight for solutions that work for everyone.
Transparency means showing up and telling the truth. I’ll communicate decisions in plain language — before they’re final, not after. I’ll publish regular updates to Ward 3 residents explaining what’s happening at City Hall, what I voted for, and why. I’ll hold open office hours so anyone can bring questions or concerns directly to me. And when I make a mistake, I’ll own it. Residents deserve a council member who answers to them, not to politics — your tax dollars, your city, your voice.
I have spent a lifetime in service of others; forty-one years in the private sector and 10 years in the public sector, both as a school board member and a Rochester Councilmember. I bring a wealth of experience in dealing with people, listening to diverse opinions, and helping craft solutions that will serve the greatest number of people.
My style on the City Council has been described as collaborative, calm, and "the sensible voice in the room". It is wonderful to learn from others while bringing my gifts to the table at the same time. I begin with the assumption that everyone wants the best for Rochester, even though we may have different ways of arriving at that goal. I am one who brings gratitude and kindness to wherever I serve.
1. More than any other issue, the council spends its time on housing of all kinds, including affordable housing. I will continue to help develop appropriate housing in Rochester, especially Ward 3.
2. The number one topic I hear on the campaign trail is increasing property taxes. I have been and will continue to be a voice of fiscal prudence while allowing for growth in the city.
3. 57% of our budget is spent on public safety. I will support our police, fire, and emergency departments.
I am heavily engaged in the community and in Ward 3. In this campaign I have personally knocked on 5000 doors and have had thousands of wonderful, sometimes challenging, conversations. I am quick to respond to residents' concerns by connecting them with city staff and services.
Every person is endowed with a dignity that should be respected by all. One's station in life does not grant greater or lesser access to city officials. It is a delight to visit with all people.
Open meeting laws require all of our council work is open and accessible to the public. The city has a rigorous interpretation of that law, and the council is very careful not to gather in groups outside of officially designated meetings.
Every month we are given detailed expense sheets. Every year we have a thorough annual audit. Nearly every two weeks we review projects and costs.
My telephone number and email are always available, and I never turn aside from a conversation.
