Running For: Second District (Three Year Term)
Running Against: Linda McDermott, Malise Sundstrom
Tell Us a Little About Yourself. What Inspired You to Run for Office in Jupiter?
I was born in Pittsburgh, PA and went to college at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg. My degree was in Marine Science, and I was a research scientist for a number of years. From there I became an educator, ombudsman, public relations leader and legislative consultant.
Just about my entire professional career has been as a public servant. I have worked for the Florida Department of Natural Resources; Florida Department of Environmental Protection; Palm Beach County Environmental Resources Management; Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission; Hillsborough County; and the Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County. Throughout my career, I’ve built bridges and sought consensus with community, industry and governmental partners on local and state issues.
I was inspired to run for office by my interest in serving my community in a greater capacity to keep all of the wonderful qualities that enhance our lives. It seems our Town Council has lost their understanding that governance closest to the residents is the most powerful. It is where voices can directly be heard and you can truly make an impact on people’s lives. With the public call for change on Council after the fire decision, I felt compelled to be the calming, common sense change to give our residents back their voice and rebuild the trust in our local leaders.
What Do You Love Most About Jupiter, and What’s One Thing You’d Like to Improve?
I love the way that our communities were planned. It’s the canopy or tree-lined roads, the ability to walk or bike to shops, the way community amenities bring neighbors together that bring a smile to my face every day.
The one thing I would like to improve is how residents move around Town. We need to find ways to alleviate bottlenecks and keep traffic flowing so our commutes get shorter.
Describe Your Leadership Style in Three Words
Accessible, Collaborative, Strategic
What Experience or Skills Make You the Best Candidate for This Role?
I want what’s best for our Town and its residents and am committed to our community.
My family has lived in Jupiter for almost 11 years. Our son attends Jupiter public schools. My family is active in our community’s events.
I have served on the Town’s Environmental Task Force since its inception, twice serving as chair. My experience on local chamber’s governmental, sustainability and advocacy committees have enabled me to learn about and influence decisions that have had positive impacts on our businesses.
I have been a youth coach and mentor for JTAA and i9Sports recreational baseball, soccer and roller hockey leagues, and a travel coach for soccer and roller hockey.
And I am a Leadership Palm Beach County Class of 2017 grad who has fostered relationships with leaders throughout all facets of our community.
Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to work alongside and learn from great leaders. These experiences have forged my belief in collaboration and communication to have success on common and controversial issues. It is through these experiences in both blue and gray skies, and on local and state levels, that have given me the bridge-building skills and the ability to compromise by working with all interests to be able to make informed decisions for the betterment of our community.
What Is Your Top Priority for the Town If Elected, and How Do You Plan to Accomplish It?
My top priority is to bring a vision to plan now for what Jupiter will look like in 20, 30 or even 50 years. Though the Town has just celebrated its 100th Anniversary, we need a vision for what will come next.
There is a parks plan in the works; the county is embarking on a Countywide Transportation Master Plan where we need to be reliable partners; and the CRA plan outlines the needs for specific areas.
Through cooperation with my Council colleagues and in partnership with the Business Development Board, we have the opportunity to provide a road map for smart economic growth throughout our Town. By planning now, our kids and grandkids will want to come back and live, work and play in the Town we all love.
How Do You Plan to Keep Jupiter’s Small-Town Charm While Supporting Responsible Growth?
I deeply value the unique small-town charm that makes our community special. Keeping that charm intact while supporting responsible growth requires a balanced and thoughtful approach:
- Prioritizing the protection of parks, waterways, and green spaces.
- Ensuring new developments complement the existing character of the Town.
- Engaging residents through public forums and town halls to shape growth.
- Partnering with business and land planning communities to align future projects with our community values.
- Supporting infrastructure improvements that accommodate growth while preserving our quality of life.
- Encouraging policies that help local businesses thrive alongside new development.
By focusing on these core areas, I believe we can maintain the essence of Jupiter while responsibly growing to meet the needs of future generations.
What’s One Local Issue That Residents Talk to You About the Most, and What’s Your Stance on It?
One of the most common concerns I hear from residents is traffic, and it’s often tied to worries about overdevelopment. As Jupiter continues to grow, our infrastructure needs to keep pace. Residents are concerned that increased development without proper planning could lead to congestion, longer commutes, and a diminished quality of life.
We need:
- Smart traffic signals to improve real-time traffic flow.
- Strategic road improvements in collaboration with county and state partners.
- Enhanced pedestrian safety with better walking and biking lanes.
- Improved access to alternative transportation options.
If You Had to Explain Your Vision for Jupiter in a Single Sentence, What Would It Be?
My vision for Jupiter is to create a thriving, sustainable community that balances thoughtful growth with the preservation of our natural areas and small-town charm, where residents feel connected, safe, and proud of their Town.
How Do You Plan to Engage and Communicate With Residents?
- Attending community meetings to hear directly from residents.
- Using electronic platforms and social media for updates and feedback.
- Building an email and newsletter list to keep residents informed.
- Keeping the “Connect with Council” platform available for engagement.
- Partnering with local organizations to reach all segments of the population.
- Being transparent and responsive to residents’ concerns.
What’s a Fun Fact About You That People Might Not Know?
In high school and college, I was active in choir, jazz and men’s ensembles, and theater, performing in multiple productions and madrigal dinners.
