Fielding Some Questions....

 What inspired you to pursue a leadership role in local government?

As an educator, it is my job to lead young minds in making great choices.  I have been an active member of the Hurricane community since we pulled into our driveway four (4) years ago.  Giving back to the community has been a part of my soul even before we left Virginia. I have always tried to find a way to be an active player where I live. When issues were brought up in our neighborhood, I decided to “throw my hat into the ring.” Voices need to be heard and not put on the back burner to be answered later.  Transparency in our community needs to be at the forefront of all city decisions.  I feel as though our citizens are not getting the full story. 

Have you experienced something in your community that made you want to make a change? 

Growth in the Washington area is at an all-time high; 1,210% in the past 5 years is a little overwhelming and a culture shock to many. Property zoning encounters constant changes without room for the public’s opinion.  I think everyone should have the opportunity to speak their minds on the matter. Our citizens need opportunities to express themselves prior to the council and mayor putting forward actions without public input.

What do you love most about your city or town?

The people!  I have felt an enormous connection to the people here since we moved here from Virginia.  

I have two stories to share…

My husband arrived here in Hurricane before I did. I had to complete my teaching contract in Virginia before we moved.  His car was in storage here for we had visited several months before as we were looking for a home here.  My hubby posted on our local Facebook page asking how to find a taxi service or Uber to get him to his car to get it out of storage. He received a text within five minutes as a neighbor came and took him to his car. THAT is what this community is all about. We are all family.

Story #2-2023 was a tough year for us. My mother passed away in April and left us void of a really strong female presence.  In December of 2023, our family was in a head-on collision on SR9.  Our then 15-year-old son was shocked and upset.  A lady stopped, got out of her car, and hugged my son comforting him and saying, “It’s going to be okay.”  That one gesture still impacts him today.

What specific issues or challenges in your community do you want to address?

There have been many questions about affordable housing. One of the mayoral candidates wants to put a “cap” on the amount homes can be sold for or a percentage “lid” on the pricing.  I believe that philosophy goes against our choices and our freedoms.

While there are several basketball courts and other recreational properties, upon talking to our young people, the inconveniences of driving to St. George take away from participating in their own community.  

Our infrastructure is incurring massive growth.  What parameters are in place to ensure our safety on our roads? How are we going to conserve water as our city is overwhelmed with new construction?