Why I’m Running for Re-Election
I have decided to run for re-election on the South Bend Common Council. It has been the greatest honor to represent the residents of the 6th District. While much has been accomplished within my first 3 years, I still have more work to do within our neighborhoods.
I will be celebrating 19 years of marriage to my husband David. We have lived in our home located within the 6th District for 24 years. I have two stepchildren Rachael and Grant. David and I have two beautiful grandchildren Rosalynn and Elijah, ages 3 and 5.
I am a Veteran of Foreign War having served in the United States Army during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. I was stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Returning home, I earned an Associate of Science Degree at IUSB using my G.I. benefits.
During my first term on the common council, I have served as Chair of the Committee of the Whole and Vice President of the Common Council. I recently was re-elected by fellow council members as Vice President of the Common Council. I chair the Public Works and Property Vacation Committee and the Personal & Finance Committee. I am also the President of the Solid Waste Board and a member of the South Bend Plan Advisory Commission.
During my previous election I promised to focus on neighborhoods and infrastructure to enhance the day to day lives of those residents that live in the 6th District.
Working with the administration and my colleagues on the council we have been successful in investing millions of dollars to repave streets in neighborhoods that have not been touched in decades, supported projects that upgrade our aging water infrastructure to ensure safe drinking water and made it easier for developers to build homes by reforming the Sewer Lateral Reimbursement Program fees. This reform will make it more attractive to build much needed housing within our neighborhoods. I have also worked tirelessly to revive the Lead Program to educate and inform our residents of the dangers of lead poisoning, especially to our children under age 6.
I could not be more pleased with investments that have taken place within the 6th District. These investments have reached unprecedented levels not seen in decades. Pure Green Farms project, Four Winds Casino expansion and investment in the Nexus Center are a few of the investments made within the 6th District.
I am currently working with Cultivate to raise funds for a capitol campaign to build a 21,000 sq ft state of the art cold storage facility. The Rum Village neighborhood now has a neighborhood plan that is setting forth a path to further grow and prosper. Walker Field will also see substantial investment of $2.5 million in the upcoming year. The 6th district has seen $2.3 million dollars of road work and $541,000 in curb and sidewalk replacement.
South Bend is continuing to grow. 6th District residents will have the opportunity to share in this growth through measured progress within their neighborhoods. Broadband expansion, housing development, infrastructure, traffic calming, and public safety funding will be ways residents can measure this progress.
I will continue to focus on neighborhoods and a quality of life for all residents to grow and thrive.
