To the editor:

I am a wife, mother, engineer, skier, gardener, community volunteer, and lover of the Keweenaw Peninsula. I’m also a candidate for Houghton City Council.

I believe in serving my community. I have held volunteer leadership positions at a number of organizations, including the Keweenaw Co-op and the Copper Country Ski Tigers. My love of Houghton has kept my family here for almost two decades, so serving our city directly as a council member was a clear choice.

My work at Michigan Tech as an academic advisor, program coordinator, instructor, and currently a business systems and data analyst, has kept me connected and engaged with our community. Each day I am inspired by the energy and talent of the students who will build our future.

Like many of my friends and neighbors, I love our city just the way it is. But change is inevitable. I want to help ensure that any changes ahead are in line with what’s best for Houghton and its citizens – so I look forward to addressing challenges that include housing, business attraction and development, zoning, and infrastructure.

I believe in collaboration, discussion, and common sense. The role of a council member requires careful, level-headed, informed consideration of the issues, followed by strategic action that helps our city thrive. I have long had a reputation for pragmatism and open-mindedness, and I firmly believe these traits will serve the residents of Houghton well.

Maintaining all that is special about Houghton while also navigating growth and change will be a challenge, as it is for all municipalities. But I am up for the task ahead. I’m ready to serve the residents of Houghton with optimism and fairness. I humbly ask for your vote in the election ahead.