Running For: First District (Three Year Term)
Running Against: Andy Weston, Teri Grooms
Tell Us a Little About Yourself. What Inspired You to Run for Office in Jupiter?
I have lived in Jupiter for 27 years as a full-time Realtor who has created strong ties within the community either through volunteering, education, philanthropy, and of course, my professional business. I was inspired to run because I believe my strong business background, skills, and passion for Jupiter will bring a fresh set of eyes and ears to the council. Jupiter is facing issues that will take a pragmatic, open-minded business individual who can make decisions with the best interest of the residents collectively.
What Do You Love Most About Jupiter, and What’s One Thing You’d Like to Improve?
I love Jupiter because it is coastal regardless of what part of the town you live in. Although it has grown in the past 27 years, the charm that drew my family here still remains in my heart. Of course, traffic came with the growth, and addressing solutions to this issue will be a priority. There is a comprehensive plan in place to mitigate the traffic flow and patterns, but nonetheless, it will be a priority for the town council.
Describe Your Leadership Style in Three Words
Dedication, Commitment, Integrity
What Experience or Skills Make You the Best Candidate for This Role?
I am currently serving as a Commissioner with the Palm Beach County Housing Authority, which is a volunteer position, and I was appointed by the former Governor, Rick Scott, in 2017. In this capacity, I oversee a 60-million-dollar annual budget, craft policy, and help the most vulnerable population, including homeless veterans and aged-out foster children. I give hundreds of hours to be the voice for those who need it the most.
I am a past president of the local Realtor Association, received the Humanitarian of the Year Award from amongst 60,000 Realtors in 2023, was one of the top 10 Women of the Year in 2024 with the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce, and run a successful real estate business. I am a member of the Executive Women of the Palm Beaches, serve as a liaison to the Alliance to End Human Trafficking in Florida, and have collected 8,000 books for children and seniors in the last four years. These books were distributed from Northern Palm Beach County to Belle Glade, Pahokee, and South Bay. As a leader, mentor, peacemaker, negotiator, and philanthropic individual, I am confident that I will serve the residents with an unwavering sense of professionalism.
What Is Your Top Priority for the Town If Elected, and How Do You Plan to Accomplish It?
Top priorities will be the Jupiter Fire Rescue Department, traffic solutions, keeping residents informed, housing, and helping small business owners succeed with smart economic decisions.
How Do You Plan to Keep Jupiter’s Small-Town Charm While Supporting Responsible Growth?
Keeping Jupiter’s small-town charm can often be an internal emotion that I mentioned above. Growth will be positive or negative to whomever the conversation is with; however, it doesn’t have to be negative. Staying within the Strategic Plan for any build-out, remodeling, renovations, or major changes to the existing footprint should conform with the coastal vibe wherever possible. Sustainable growth such as Scripps, Max Planck, Jupiter Medical Center, FAU Honors College, biotech, and so many other businesses have only added to the economic search engines that can help keep our small-town charm.
What’s One Local Issue That Residents Talk to You About the Most, and What’s Your Stance on It?
Traffic was the #1 concern in a recent study, as done by the Town of Jupiter. As stated, it is a top priority to bring alternative solutions and keep on track with the Comprehensive Plan in place to further mitigate traffic.
If You Had to Explain Your Vision for Jupiter in a Single Sentence, What Would It Be?
Magical is how I feel about Jupiter.
How Do You Plan to Engage and Communicate With Residents?
Communication must be disseminated to residents in a manner by which they will either read it or hear about it. Currently, a newsletter is included in the monthly water bills, however, this is not enough on its own. Acceptance of texts or emails needs to become a normal communication vehicle. More “meet and greets” with town staff, police, and firefighters is another successful opportunity for communications. A picnic in the park may sound a little out of the norm, but again, Jupiter will be updating four parks in 2025, so let’s show them off and christen each one of them when completed. Also, promote the council meetings as an opportunity for residents to come, hear, and understand the process for decision-making.
What’s a Fun Fact About You That People Might Not Know?
My paternal grandmother was one of the first female councilwomen in the City of Boston in the early 1940s.
