ABOUT
I'm running for TN House District 8 because I believe everyone in Blount County deserves to have a voice in the House. We need better representation in state government and that starts with having a choice on the ballot in November. The current super-majority in the General Assembly is not listening to constituents.
I've resided in District 8 of Blount County for 10 years and love it here. I've lived in lots of places: Virginia, Tennessee, Illinois, Delaware, Texas, Colorado, Florida, New York and California. All places have their perks and challenges, similarities and uniqueness. We are privileged to live in a democratic country. I love Blount County and all it has to offer and I want to work to ensure that everyone who lives here is heard and has the opportunity to thrive.
My educational background includes a BS in Biology, MS in Wildlife Science and MBA. I had a rewarding 30+ year career in zoos starting out as a zookeeper then curator and I spent 11 years on the management team of Walt Disney World's Animal Kingdom. I served 6 years on my community's Property Owner's Association board. I've served on the Blount County Democratic Party Executive Committee since 2018 and currently serve as the Chair.
So why go from zoos to politics? Maybe there's a lot of similarities. I'm not a career politician but I am concerned about the current attacks on our democracy and believe it is my civic duty to participate in the shaping of our county, state and country's future.
Where do I stand on issues?
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We need to get the government out of women's healthcare decisions. Abortion is healthcare.
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I support fully funding public education. The proposed voucher bill will only undermine our public schools and teachers.
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Everyone deserves access to healthcare and that means expanding Medicaid;
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Let's stop passing harmful bills targeting the LGBTQ community.
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We need to protect Tennessee's natural resources and ensure healthy environments for all.
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We have to address the gun violence crisis and pass common sense gun laws.
Let's discuss policies that benefit people not special interests.