PRIORITIES
I was raised with strong values of faith, love, and service. Throughout my life, I have worked in public education and community leadership because I believe we are called to stand up for one another.
As a retired public school counselor, former union president, and school board member, I have spoken up for students, educators, and families. I have worked to protect public education, defend civil rights, and ensure that government decisions reflect dignity and fairness for all people.
I am running for South Carolina House District 118 because I believe silence is complicity. We must believe in the good of all people and work together to build a community that is welcoming, responsible, and just.
LIST OF PRIORITIES
Civil Rights and Freedom
I support diversity, equity, and inclusion. No two people are alike – who we are, what we look like, whom we love. Our diversity is our strength.
All should feel welcome and safe. We should all be able to live and work without fear of being taken, separated from our families, or killed. We must treat all people with dignity, whether that is providing due process or treating LGBTQ+ individuals with dignity when determining laws that affect them. I do not believe the government should control and punish women or medical personnel for making personal medical decisions.
Accessibility and Affordability
This is a desirable place to live, attracting many people to move here to either work or if they are older, to retire.
I believe in financially supporting programs that have been successful in meeting the basic physical (such as Medicaid and SNAP) and emotional (such as mental health) needs of our community members.
Tax relief should be provided for those in the greatest need. Community resources must be available and accessible. While I believe in investing in workforce development, I also believe in protecting workers’ rights once in the workplace. True community wealth is the sharing of what we have to help our neighbors, to truly build community.
Government Accountability
The government should work for the people. Trust is built through transparency, honesty, and responsible leadership.
As a former school board member and union president, I have worked in public settings where decisions directly affected families and educators. I believe elected officials must explain their votes, remain accessible to their constituents, and use taxpayer dollars wisely.
When government is open and accountable, people feel heard and respected. That is how we restore confidence and rebuild trust.
Public Education
As a lifetime National Education Association member, I believe in a strong public school system to meet the educational needs of all students, no matter who they are. Public money is for public schools. Teachers and school personnel must be respected as professionals. The “banning of books” and ignoring “true” history are ideas that interfere with the First Amendment while taking away the ability to learn from the past. We must be robust in recruiting and retaining teachers in our district.
Safe and Strong Communities
Strong communities are built on stability, opportunity, and care for one another.
Public safety includes access to mental health services, stable housing, quality schools, and community resources that support families. Prevention and early intervention matter. When people have support systems in place, neighborhoods thrive. I believe in common-sense gun reform and keeping our communities, schools, and people safe.
We all deserve to feel safe, respected, and valued in the places we call home.
Seniors, Veterans, and Working Families
District 118 is home to many retirees, veterans, and hardworking families. They deserve dignity, security, and meaningful support.
I believe in protecting retirement stability and ensuring seniors have access to affordable healthcare, mental health services, and community resources that help them live independently. No one who has worked their entire life should struggle to meet basic needs.
Our veterans deserve more than gratitude. They deserve access to quality healthcare, strong support systems, and opportunities that reflect their service and sacrifice.
Working families should be able to afford housing, healthcare, and daily necessities without constant financial strain. When we strengthen workplace protections and expand opportunity, we strengthen our entire community.