Candidate Biography (submitted by candidate):

I moved to Cumberland County when I was 14 years old, attended 71st High School and received my Associates Degree in Nursing form Fayetteville Technical Community College. I married a local guy and we have three children, all of whom attended Cumberland County schools.

I served ten years on the Cumberland County Board of Education. I was twice elected Chairperson. While serving as Chairperson and Facilities Chairman, I oversaw the construction of eleven schools. All of the projects came in on time and under budget.

I have served on term as County Commissioner. I was a voice for fiscal restraint and worked as a consensus builder among the other commissioners. I am prepared by my past service and focused on the future of Cumberland County.

My father was a Command Sergeant Major and my hero. His example of love of country and service is the reason I have always been motivated to serve.

At first, I volunteered with various organizations, but I wanted to have more of an influence on the direction our community was taking. My business association with the schools gave me an understanding of his area, so I decided to run for the Board of Education. I was elected to a seat in 1994.

While on the Board of Education, I was twice elected Chairperson by the members of the Board. I also served as the head of several subcommittees. One of these was the Facilities Committee. During this time I oversaw the construction of ten schools. I am pleased that these projects all came in on time and under budget. I always tried to remember that it is not my money I was spending.

After 10 years on the Board of Education, I felt that I had gained enough experience to be helpful on the County Commission. I was elected to a district seat in 2004. During that term, I tried my best to always be accessible to anyone who needed my help. I made sure to always do my homework, study the issues, listen to all opinions and then and only then vote the way I felt was in the best interest of the Community as a whole.

I left the Board in 2008, but find that I have not lost my desire to serve. I feel that I left some of the peoples' business unfinished, especially the promise of no tax increases due to the new property evaluation. That promise seems to have been forgotten in my absence. I ask for your help in returning to the County Commission.