Orono has been part of my life since I was in second grade. I graduated from Orono High School, married another Orono graduate, and after living in Minneapolis for several years, my husband and I chose to return here to raise our two daughters. We came back because we value the schools, natural beauty, and strong sense of community that make Orono such a special place to live.
I’m running for City Council because I want to help preserve those strengths while thoughtfully planning for Orono’s future. I believe local government works best when residents feel heard, decisions are transparent, and leaders are willing to consider different perspectives before making difficult choices.
I earned a bachelor’s degree in International Political Economy from the University of Puget Sound, where I studied the intersection of government, economics, and public policy.
Although I did not immediately pursue a career in political economy after college, I eventually became a local business owner. My sister and I now co-own two businesses with approximately 25 employees, and I spend much of my time balancing competing priorities, managing budgets, solving problems, and weighing immediate needs against long-term consequences. That experience has taught me the importance of careful financial stewardship, clear communication, accountability, and strong leadership.
Leading a business also requires listening to employees, customers, professional partners, and others who may have very different perspectives, then weighing those viewpoints against practical and financial realities. I would bring that same thoughtful, prepared, and pragmatic approach to the City Council.