I originally ran for office in 2019 because I was a “pissed off farmer.” And although I am still a farmer, (and can sometimes still be pissed off), my reason for running for re-election has evolved. Over the past three years I have learned how to navigate complicated scenarios, the ins and outs of town management and leadership and how to represent my constituents from all walks of life. I am running because I am extremely proud of the achievements of the Town of Montgomery in the past three years, and there is more work to be done. And I am a worker.

In my 3.5 years as YOUR Councilwoman I have received an excellent education in the needs of this town and I have used that knowledge to take meaningful action.  I learned that our Town was in desperate need of dedicated advanced life support (ALS) emergency medical services.  So, we created a dedicated ambulance tax district to properly fund emergency medical services. As of June 1, 2023, the Town of Montgomery Ambulance not only received all the required state certifications to upgrade their services to the ALS/paramedic level but were fully staffed to provide 24/7 ALS services to our community. As the appointed liaison to the Town of Montgomery Ambulance, I am committed to always making sure we have this critical service.

I further learned that our Highway Department garage had daylight showing through some of the beams and walls, causing weather damage and making it nearly impossible to maintain some of our most expensive equipment. As the appointed budget lead for the Highway Department, I learned exactly how financial planning can ensure we have the equipment and personnel we need to properly maintain our roads for the safety of our community and be fiscally responsible to plan for the future. Additionally, we budgeted for, and successfully started building, a new garage for our Highway Department, which is expected to be completed this year.

As a local farm owner, I have spoken to so many people in our community that said we need to support our local farmers and preserve open space.  I worked very hard to craft the “Agri-Tourism Law,” which was passed this year. This law will help the farmers craft additional revenue sources from their farms, so the fields remain open.

As a councilwoman, I represent you. And I listen and learn. I also act. In 2021, as a co-author/contributor to the Town of Montgomery Comprehensive Plan, I met with hundreds of residents to help design a vision for our town for the next 10 years. And that plan was unanimously passed by our Town Board. But the work doesn’t end with a plan. The actual implementation includes updating zoning laws, determining the direction of our parks and ensuring our town infrastructure can support new development. This is work that I plan on continuing for my next term in office.

I am not a representative that kicks the can down the road to the next administration. I am a doer. While in office, I learned that our Police Department had been functioning out of a trailer in the back of town hall for about six years and maybe longer. It is a shame that past administrations chose to overlook this critical need. But I won’t. I will work hard to make sure our Police Department has adequate facilities in order to keep our town safe.

As a councilwoman, it is my responsibility to ensure that our spending and our budget are appropriate and not wasteful. Because of my attention to detail and financial knowledge, I was appointed by the town supervisor to lead the budget process for our largest departments, highway and police. But my oversight and understanding doesn’t stop there. I understand the importance of quality accounting and financial planning, particularly because I am the steward of YOUR tax dollars. I will always ensure that  my financial decisions are fiscally responsible.

I humbly ask for your vote for me in the Republican Primary on June 27.  I am committed to continuing to listen to you. This way I serve YOU in a second term as Councilwoman and continue to move our wonderful town forward while also being fiscally responsible. I am committed to always serving you; as taxpayers, constituents, neighbors, and most importantly as friends.