BACKGROUND: What motivated you to run for City Council, and what unique skills or experience make you the best candidate for the role?

I have lived here since 1997, retired and finally had time to pursue non-business options. I was persuaded by my Deer Crossing and and Windmill Estates HOA friends to represent us on the City Council. It was time to 'give back' to my community.

I now have 4 years’ experience in the job along with the state's official training for elected government officials (tested yearly on-line) for open meeting laws, ethics, and operations along with the help of everyone, City staff, Councilors, & Mayor.

ISSUES: What are the two most pressing issues you plan to address as a City Council Member, and what specific strategies will you use to solve them?

Continually help manage the big monster of wild-fire growth on a limited budget in a timely manner. Help complete the City's Emergency notification system. Get the water right.

'I plan' to keep showing up for meetings, not blow my own horn, signing non-ending expense checks, help hiring good people, look for waste, keeping up with city obligations, staying out of city operations. Honestly, it is not 'my plan' it is 'our plan' which is currently a short term catch-up plan and long term plans.

FUTURE: What is your vision for the city in 10 years, and what steps will you take to achieve it?

Honestly, I'm 70 years old! I don't expect to be alive in 10 years! But...my vision of Magnolia is a town to be proud of. A 'system' that works, with the growing pains behind it, but retaining it's small town 'feeling'. A town where kids are safe on the streets, low crime, and a budget to still do the things it needs to do, wants to do, and people desire to be part of the of the effort by volunteering, both at the HOA level and City level. You make the City the way YOU want it by showing up.

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT: How will you engage residents in the city's decision-making process?

More citizens should participate in city meetings, including council, 4A & B, and Zoning meetings. This is where people find out future businesses being courted, businesses coming to town, parks and recreation updates and plans, and zoning shifts being proposed and submitted. Also look at the Magnolia Master plan on-line which is the City's master community plan. Sign up for our Emergency notifications on the City's and Police web sites. Lastly, be brave enough to submit suggestions.

COMMUNITY: What are your favorite things about your city?

I have lived here almost 30 years. I have always liked honoring first responders and military, 4th of July activities, the parades, supporting the Renaissance Festival, getting new businesses, the eating places we have, Car Shows, School activities, Church activities (bazaars, auctions, car shows, services), and just living in a great town that everyone is trying to move to all at once! If TXDOT could just get the roads fixed!