Candidate Biography (submitted by campaign):

I am a 4th generation Alaskan who moved to Asheville in 1999. I am
proud of my decade long professional and volunteer work for the
citizens of Asheville. Highlights include:

*Appointed to Asheville City Council in 2008. Serve on the Finance and Housing & Community Development committees and liaison to the Asheville Greenways Commission.

*Balanced the FY 09-10 budget without increasing property taxes.

*As Executive Director of the Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, I lead the marketing and sales team that promotes the Asheville destination brand globally.

*I received a Ford Foundation Fellowship (2008) to study regional
action plans focusing on sustainability, economic development and
partnerships.

*Created Tourism Product Development Fund that has granted nearly $12 million to Asheville area community projects.

*Serving on the Pack Square Park Board of Trustees for nine years
helping to build the largest new sustainable urban park in the country.

*Two-year member of the steering committee for the Mountain Green Sustainability Conference at Warren Wilson College.

*Serving on Asheville Art Museum Board for three years

*Co-founder of the Mountain Sports Festival

*Avid runner (9 marathons) and cyclist

*Organic gardener

*Self taught chef

I have a degree in Economics from the University of Montana and am
just three credits shy of a History degree. I've worked for the Alaska
State Legislature and city government. I have a passion for public
policy and serving all Ashevillians on Council.

We witness too often in Asheville ideological entrenchment. My Fresh
Leadership platform is based on my abilities and experiences in
providing a balanced, common sense approach to public policy and
community building. I am proud of my decade long record of bringing
diverse perspectives together to forge partnerships and policies that
all sides can accept.

My specific platform strategies for Fresh Leadership are:

Forward: We need experienced, proactive leaders who will take actions that move our city, our council and our economy forward.

Resources: Through innovative programs that align our physical assets and limited revenue, we can increase our tax base, build personal wealth and enhance our standard of living.

Economy: We must pursue strategies that encourage innovative
entrepreneurship and business recruitment, retention and expansion.
Workforce development and workforce housing need to be high
priorities.

Sustainable: Though green initiatives, we can become the city that got it right: successfully transferring sustainable concepts into jobs, higher wages and a better quality of life for all.

Healthy: Working with area partners, we can improve our city's health and wellness, keep our neighborhoods safe from gangs and drugs, and maintain civic pride by battling graffiti vandalism and panhandling.

I am committed to being the change one wants to see in the world. I
seek to understand before being understood. I listen with two ears and speak with one mouth. I am honored to serve on City Council and ask for your vote to continue providing Fresh Leadership for another four years. Thank you.