Candidate Biography (submitted by campaign):

I received my Bachelor of Business Administration from James Madison University where a well-rounded approach to management was a primary emphasis.  While in attendance at James Madison I met my husband. After college I was employed with rail giant CSX and worked for many years in the area of information technology. My professional journey has provided me the opportunity to give back to many communities including North Carolina.
 
My husband and I chose to move to Cary eight years ago.  Along with us, our three children have come to love and call Cary home.  This year my oldest will begin her freshman year at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. My oldest son attends Panther Creek High School and my youngest is enjoying his first year of middle school at Salem Middle School. I have played an active role in their education and supporting their schools over the years.  
 
Throughout my life I have been an active citizen.  As a youth, I volunteered as a music director to teach children. As an adult, I have chosen to continue the spirit of activism by working in many capacities throughout the community. I have served in the role of HOA president in my subdivision, volunteered in various capacities at the Wake County public schools, was an assistant Girl Scout leader, Town of Cary School of government graduate and am involved in outreach activities assisting local families through my church.  I worked closely with the Towns parks and greenway staff with regards to the Bachelor Branch greenway project and Sears Farm Park, playing a key role in negotiating changes that were beneficial to the neighborhood, community, and Town.
 
I feel it my civic responsibility to be an active member in the community and I enjoy working with others to enhance our community.

I consider myself fortunate to be a resident of Cary and advocate helping to ensure that Cary remains one of the best places to live.  In doing so, it is necessary to consider important issues such as the continued growth and infrastructure of Cary. Future Building, Roadways, Water Services, Schools, and Emergency Services need to keep up with the growth in a manner consistent with the look and feel of Cary.

As growth occurs, the environment and natural resources must be preserved while we maintain and develop greenways and park systems. When expanding homes and businesses the preservation of Jordan Lake and the water supply must be considered.  Working with the natural contours of the land and incorporating the existing landscape must be a priority when creating new projects.  

Schools are an integral part of the community.  It is important that a partnership be developed between the Cary Town Council and the Wake County Board of Education to work for the common goal of educating our children with as little disruption to families and community as possible.  

When looking at budgetary goals we need to take advantage of the unused Bond Initiatives, low interest rates, and stimulus funds to bring more projects to the table in 2010. Prioritize finding creative ways to increase Police presence and improve the quality of roads like Carpenter Fire Station; a heavily used road in poor shape.  The Old Cary Elementary School renovation project should be completed as originally planned.  This facility could be used: by the local schools for performances, to bring in professional venues, and offer locals the opportunity to perform for the Cary community. We need to focus on keeping our taxes low and our services high.

I strive to keep Cary a safe and desirable place to live.