How have your personal and professional experiences prepared you for public office?
I’m a lifelong resident of Northampton County and grew up on a family owned dairy farm in Plainfield Township. My husband of 30 years and I raised our daughters here and have a long history of involvement in our community, such as, working in the kitchen at the Plainfield Farmer’s Fair, teaching youth groups, and Sunday School classes . I have served as an elected official and as an employee in municipal government for over twenty years. This has given me firsthand experience in the day to day operations and challenges that face elected officials and administrators. I worked as a municipal Secretary/Treasurer from 1994-2004. During that time I balanced budgets, was involved in building and recreation projects, dealt with employee issues, road projects, grants, subdivisions and all other areas of administration. My experience in Plainfield Township started in 1986 as a volunteer implementing a recycling program and Township newsletter. I then served as an elected Supervisor starting in 1989. As an active Township Supervisor I helped acquire land adjacent to Achenbach’s Grove, home of the Plainfield Farmers Fair, to preserve for future generations, worked to bring the Grand Central landfill into zoning compliance, was involved in the rails to trails project, worked on a five year plan which included increasing police services to provide 24 hour protection, and held taxes stable. I held positions on many committees and was involved in a Joint Comprehensive Plan, Open Space Preservation Plans, and Long Range Planning. I developed regional experience through my past volunteer service as the Secretary/Treasurer of the Slate Belt Municipalities Association which is now a Council of Governments.
What is the most critical issue facing the county?
There are several critical issues facing the county. I believe keeping real estate taxes down, while working within the constraint of a budget, is crucial for the residents in this economy.
If elected what would you do to keep property taxes in check?
I would work with the administration to review all areas of spending. Support proven programs to decrease the 69% return rate of repeat offenders into the prison system, which will in turn help reduce the cost of sixty-five cents of every tax dollar being paid to administer the court and jail system. Support long range planning.
What is one council issue you would like to explore if elected and why?
I have more than one issue I would like to explore. The first would be proven programs for reducing the return rate of repeat offenders back into the prison system. Effective rehab will have many benefits for the people in the programs, their families, the municipalities where they reside, as well as the taxpayer. Successful programs will have a positive impact on all areas of government dealing with social service issues.
If elected to council how would you address fighting along party lines?
The residents cast their votes in good faith believing elected officials will focus on the job at hand and work in their best interest. All members must keep that in mind and work together.
Did you attend county council meetings before you considered running? Why or why not?
Yes, I attended council meetings for four months before I considered running. I wanted to make an informed decision, keep up on the issues facing county council and learn how council functions. I have been volunteering in the Easton area over the past three years and it has helped give me insight into the social service end of county government.
