MEET THE CANDIDATES

1. Briefly tell us about yourself, your background, your previous public service experience and why you are running for city council. 

I grew up on my family's ranch in Banner County. After receiving a BS degree from Chadron State College and an MS degree from the University of Nebraska Kearney, I lived in Virginia, Delaware and Indiana, returning to the area in 2009 to teach science at Potter-Dix schools. I decided to run for City Council because I believe I have the skills to help the community. In my 23+ years of experience working in healthcare management, I learned the importance of setting goals and holding myself and the rest of my team accountable for delivering outcomes. I thrive on meeting challenges head on and staying focused despite the obstacles. Be assured-- I will put the community of Kimball first. 

2. In your opinion, what makes a good city council member and what qualities do you have that will make you a good city council member? 

The city council member's job is to represent all of Kimball's residents, to be a listener first, actively working to understand concerns and being available to talk through issues. You can expect me to be present, available, and always approachable. 

Not only will I listen to you, I will also work to bring you the information you need to help Kimball. You can expect me to be well informed and transparent with information. My goals are for the overall wellbeing of Kimball. I will be your partner in planning together and working together for Kimball. 

3. How should Kimball's city government proceed with its ongoing search for a city administrator? 

Now is the time to think outside our traditional model and consider restructuring our city management. Restructuring the city administration position into two positions, a Community/Economic Development manager and a Public Works manager, could cut spending and boost revenue. A community/economic development manager would be responsible for identifying the needs of the community, expanding and improving community services, securing funding sources, identifying business development opportunities, providing administration of such projects, and ensuring visibility. A public works manager would plan, organize, manage, lead and direct all public utilities, ensuring that the community is provided with desired and mandated services in an effective, cost efficient manner. I would suggest that city council first determine exactly how they want the position(s) to look before reopening the candidate search. 

4. What area would you prioritize in the city budget? 

Building a comprehensive multi-year budget and financial plan will provide greater stability in the city's financial planning and budgeting process. Multi-year budgets for capital projects and debt services improve efficiency and save taxpayers money. Good planning and solid forecasting will provide a long term budget, policy guidance, spending priorities, and an effective future spending plan. It is important that Kimball City Council invests your money wisely and shows you where your money is being spent. 

5. As preparations gear up for the re-construction of the missile bases, how specifically should Kimball be preparing? 

Vision First, Planning Second. The initiative begins by organizing ALL stakeholders in the community to build consensus around a shared vision, considering everything such as available resources, gaps in Kimball's infrastructure, and barriers to development. This brings Kimball's vision into focus and leads to a plan for encouraging and controlling the kind of growth that Kimball wants. It is important to have a community that plans and acts, not reacts, and puts the right measures in place to gauge our success.