I would appreciate your vote on June 2nd.

My work ethic began at an early age. I was spending my summers, “chipping slag,” for my father who was a welder. He worked long hours in the oil fields of Wyoming and Montana to support his family. I learned the value of hard work from my parents and have never forgotten those early lessons. Following college, I worked as a realtor, small business owner, and a mom. I have called Montana my home for nearly 30 years and have been a resident of Stillwater County for 20 years. During this time, it has been my pleasure to enjoy all that this County has to offer. We are blessed with locality and grandeur. 

The diversity of opportunities in how Stillwater County citizens earn a living is what I feel makes this the best place to live. It is important to listen to every perspective and then gather more information to make sound decisions. While working in city and county government over the past 15 years, I have been responsible for listening to the public, investigating the issues, researching the laws, and providing the best information possible for the decision makers (City Council and County Commissioners). I have been the primary support person to those responsible for those elected in city and county governments. While working for the City of Columbus, and now for Stillwater County, I have been responsible for fiscal budget management. I have been in local government during major fires, major floods, pandemic closures and business downsizing and closures. I have worked to assist with the aftermath of these issues. I have been here when wages and the costs of housing was low and when those same costs and availability have become an issue. Wind farms, solar farms, and data centers are knocking on the door claiming to be the “cash cow,” that the county can rely on. It is going to take a County Commissioner that will look at the proposals with a skeptical eye on behalf of the ranchers and landowners. This takes someone that has been here through both the highs and lows. Now I would like to take the experience and knowledge gained in these capacities to help make sound decisions that will benefit future generations.

I began working for citizens at the entry level and worked my way up to my current position as the Finance Director and Administrator to the County Commission. I am keenly aware of the services that the county provides to its citizens. I often field complaints from citizens, and I know who to contact to get the answers that people come to expect from their officials. I have also had the opportunity to simply help out our citizens; either with a question about how they can get access to a service from the county, or with something that is the responsibility of another government entity. I work to give people the answers that will help them solve their problem, even if it is not something the county is not responsible for.  

With this next step, as your County Commissioner, I can utilize the wealth of knowledge and experience that I have gained to better assist the taxpayers and citizens of Stillwater County. My budget management and fiscal knowledge will allow me to put in place the accountability piece that is required of a County Commissioner. I am aware of the seriousness of responsibility and accountability to taxpayers. The establishment of mills the county levies on its citizens is an enormous responsibility and should not be taken lightly. I understand the direct effect of this, and other duties required of a County Commissioner in setting and administering the county budget.

I welcome your questions. I want to have an understanding of the issues important to you. I extend this now and would always be approachable and willing to listen. Thank you for your time and I would appreciate your vote.