I got my start in advocacy when my daughter started school and I saw that our education system was not meeting the needs of our kids and our communities. I joined my local PTA and worked my way up to Washington State PTA Legislative Director. That work gave me invaluable experience working with decision makers to bring about change. It also helped me better understand the kind of leader that I wanted to be.

In my time on the Kirkland City Council I worked to be that leader, listening to the concerns of residents and bringing people together to get things done. On the Council, I stood for a responsible and responsive budget and our city’s budget practices reflected that. I also stood for smart growth and smart investments that maintain our high quality of life while planning for our region’s future.

In addition, I was actively involved in supporting our kids and families on the Eastside Human Services Forum, the King County Domestic Violence Initiative, the King County Cities Climate Collaboration, and the King County Board of Health. I also served a four-year term on the Kirkland Park Board, volunteered on park and school bond and levy committees, and served as a trustee for the Lake Washington Schools Foundation. Over the past 15 years I have worked to meet the needs of all our residents.

In the Legislature, I have done my best to represent you and your voice matters to me. I look forward to returning to Olympia to continue to work towards an economy that works for everyone, a high quality school system that meets the diverse needs of every student, environmental policies that conserve our natural resources, and the health and safety of all our residents.