1.) List a few details of your background you think voters would want to know. (75 words)

This city raised me. From kindergarten to college, I was educated here. I started a small business downtown, worked in journalism and in the non-profit sector. I currently work at the Center for Native American Studies at NMU. I hope to use my skills in public relations to enhance government communication and transparency. For three decades I’ve called Marquette home. It’s given me so much, and I’m now eager to serve its people.

2.) What do you think are the most important issues facing the city? (100 words)

This term, City Commission will define the direction and identity of Marquette for the next half-century. I’ve developed a robust platform with significant citizen input to address affordable housing, rental rates, shoreline and trail protection, and responsible development. I am a proponent of a more inclusive, more representative city, one that gives citizens a voice with a Community Benefits Agreement. A CBA gives citizens a seat at the table to officially create recommendations on development projects. The goal is to ignite better jobs while mandating environmental protections. I hope to foster an environment that encourages citizen retention, property ownership for …

3.) Why do you think voters should choose you? (200 words)

To lead Marquette, we need a fresh perspective and new ideas. It’s important to see the city from a wider lens but remain focused on people. Right now, Marquette generates revenue exclusively through property taxes. To make up for a loss in the tax base, we’re selling and developing a lot of land. We’ve also raised utility rates. It can fund necessary improvements, but the consequences are the paralyzing burdens it places on our residents. People are leaving the city, others are not investing in their properties, and some are falling out of love with Marquette.

I want us to fall back in love with our city. We can responsibly bring vacant, blighted properties back on the tax roll. But, I hope to ignite more creative ways to equitably fund amenities than becoming beholden only to new development. We have to fight for the rights of the hardworking laborers who build the city, protect the environment, and foster more affordable neighborhoods to welcome back our families.

With me, citizens will have an advocate on commission. Commissioners need to be good listeners because a government works best by the people. Your voice matters. I hear you, Marquette.