Why I’m Running
I'm running because democracy requires a choice.
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As a lifelong Democrat and frequent poll worker, I've watched too many voters walk into the voting booth only to find a blank space where there should have been a candidate. Every election, I found myself asking the same question: if we believe in representative government, why are we leaving entire communities without a choice?
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I'll be honest: I started this campaign to fill in one of those blanks. But after meeting so many of my neighbors across District 40, it's become about so much more. It's about giving working families a voice, standing up for our communities, and proving that public service is still about listening, showing up, and solving problems.
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I'm not running to build a political career or make grand promises. I'm running because every voter deserves a real choice and a representative whose life has been spent serving others. That's the same spirit of service I'll bring to Columbus.
Biography
I'll be honest — I have no idea how to be a politician. What I do know is how to show up for the community. Guided by a faith tradition rooted in common sense, common decency, stewardship, and service to others, I've tried to live out those values every day.
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I grew up on a cattle farm in Indiana. When it came time to farm on my own, I chose dairy cows - they're friendlier. I earned a bachelor's degree from DePauw University and a master's degree in nursing. I love learning and still do it every day. Years ago, I sold my 50-cow dairy herd and left the farming to my brother in Indiana. I went back to school and started a new career in Ohio as a Registered Nurse at Wayne Hospital in Greenville. I also volunteered as a firefighter and paramedic, and have fostered over 100 children. Now I tend my retired harness racer and work to rehabilitate dilapidated homes in the area — hopefully creating affordable housing for credit-challenged neighbors through land contracts.
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Back in Indiana our neighborhood gathered every fall for hog processing day. Making sausage was never my favorite task. I would much rather feed the hogs than eat them. My outsider understanding is that the legislative process is much the same as making sausage. But we deserve a choice … and I still have my old rubber apron and boots ready for making that sausage.
