Survey and Interview Responses

Why are you running for this office?

I have three major reasons for seeking re-election:

1. I want to ensure completion of the Council’s ongoing project to simplify and update the city code, aligning it with current development, population needs, and the comprehensive plan.
2. I will advocate for a balanced budget that includes funding and support for law enforcement.
3. I will ensure stability and experience on the Council. With Mayor John Evans not seeking re-election, a strong Council will be crucial to support the new mayor and ensure the efficient completion of ongoing initiatives and projects.

What are your qualifications?

I live and work in Garden City, I am a successful businesswoman, hold multiple leadership positions, and have five years of experience on City Council.

If elected, what are your goals?

As shared above, I want to support continuity of leadership, secure continued funding for law enforcement while ensuring a balanced budget, and initiate a community-wide project to review and potentially update the comprehensive plan

What experience do you have serving on boards, commissions, non-profits, etc. where you have been of service to others?

I am in my fourth year on the Board of Directors for the Garden City Chamber of Commerce and am currently the president.

Do you consider yourself fiscally conservative?

Yes. I believe in balanced budgets and that taxes should be used for services such as water, sewage, law enforcement, and infrastructure (roads, bridges, etc).

Do you consider yourself socially conservative?

Yes, I believe in the family nucleus and that the stability of family results in a strong community.

What are the primary challenges and priorities for this office?

To maintain a strong police department. To maintain a balanced budget. To manage wise growth. The issue of zoning at the Interfaith Sanctuary motivated us to look carefully at our zoning codes. We’ve developed and adopted new tools to protect existing and established neighborhood and encourage engagement with reputable developers.

What are your thoughts on the conflict between proponents of multi-story, high-density housing and residents who wish to preserve green space and the character of existing single-family, low-density neighborhoods?

Although Garden City doesn’t have a height limit and we will have to go vertical because we are land locked for most of our development, we have come up with creative ways to address height concerns, including ensuring adequate parking for any project. We have a fantastic development staff who have created and presented plans to develop pocket parks that would be along the terminus of the river and greenbelt. This is an example of how we are working together to provide creative solutions to the challenges of growth.

How will you prioritize city spending, and which areas do you believe require more or less funding?

This budget cycle has been challenging. The state legislature has impacted municipal budgets through their specific appropriation of property taxes. The city council, mayor, and executive staff did not take pay raises this year to help balance the budget. We’re allowing attrition to happen and not backfilling certain roles. We will lose one FTE position in the police department. I’m determined to ensure retaining strong law enforcement despite these challenges.

What specific steps will you take to incorporate citizen concerns into city planning and decision-making?

I place a priority on listening and having conversations with residents. As an example, a group approached me, concerned about the speed of bicycles, ebikes, and scooters on the greenbelt. I represented their concerns to city leadership and we initiated an interagency group that developed guidelines for practices on the greenbelt. In another instance, citizens approached me with a concern about a high density development abutting a residential neighborhood. We listened deeply and the group had a strong impact on what was ultimately determined.

Do you think that Garden City’s Comprehensive Plan needs to be revised? If so, what are some changes to the plan that would you seek, in terms of goals and objectives?

Our comprehensive plan was very much driven by participation from residents and business owners within the community. These are the one who are most impacted by zoning and planning decisions so getting their input on any revisions is most important to me.

In light of the reported high crime rate, how do you plan to address crime and public safety issues?

I’m aware of the report you are referencing and it’s important to recognize Garden City’s unique factors that impact the report findings. With over 100,000 vehicles traveling on a daily basis through the major arterials in Garden City, we are policing for a high volume of traffic. We don’t have high rates of violent crime and when something happens, we prosecute. We don’t arrest people and then let it slide. I wouldn’t want to be caught in Garden City for a crime. The police force is well equipped and engaged with other Ada County law enforcement and from my view, we have the best team in the valley.

In your view, what are the top two to three essential qualities of an effective leader?

1. Humility – a willingness to listen and being grounded in a service mindset.
2. A curious mindset – There is always something more to learn.
3. Conduct yourself with honor and integrity.