My Responses to the Courier-Journal Candidate Survey
Occupation: Teacher & Business Owner
Relevant experience: I am an educator who serves on the Recruitment & Retention Committee for Oldham County Schools. I was elected to North Oldham MS SBDM & served on the OCS Facilities Committee. I am on the executive committee for the Oldham County Democratic Party. I founded and own the website Louisville Family Fun.
What makes you the best candidate to represent your district?
As a parent and educator in District 59, I am connected to my neighbors. I know that parents count on our schools to provide an excellent education for their kids. As a business owner, I understand how rising costs impact everyone’s bottom line. As a cancer survivor, I know how quickly medical bills can turn a family’s world upside down. I will listen to neighbors' concerns, analyze situations, and strategize to deliver results for District 59. My approach is not divisive, but unifying so that everyone in my district can have a representative in Frankfort who is approachable and available.
What do you think are the two biggest issues facing Kentucky? How would you address them?
First, Kentuckians want legislators to address affordability. I will actively seek to file legislation that addresses rising costs of healthcare, housing, and everyday expenses. We need to look toward protecting and expanding Medicaid. When federal budget cuts hurt Kentucky families, we need to step in and make sure our neighbors can afford health insurance, rent, and food with budget support for Medicaid, housing assistance and creation of affordable housing, and food banks.
Second, all children deserve a world-class education. We must start with at least adequately funding our public schools and move toward fully funding our schools. I support increasing per pupil funding so that schools can increase pay for teachers and para-professionals to recruit and retain staff. The state should also fully fund school transportation so that districts can use funds for teaching and learning.
Where is the state legislature currently falling short in supporting your district, and how would you address those shortcomings?
Oldham County Schools is such a vital part of District 59. We are proud of our schools. When the state legislature fails to at least adjust per pupil funding for inflation, our schools receive less and less money as costs increase. Class sizes are on the rise and schools struggle to recruit and retain teachers with competitive salaries. Our state legislature has advocated for voucher programs and tax incentives that would divert money from our public schools. I would listen to my neighbors and support bold reinvestment in public education.
How would you take community feedback into account? How would you work with constituents to meet their needs?
I will be receptive to feedback and use data to track what issues people care about. I will host opportunities for people to talk with me and utilize surveys and social media so constituents can share their thoughts. When I learn what issues people want addressed, I will collaborate with other representatives and experts to develop plans. Finally, I will share proposed plans to gauge how well they feel the proposal would meet their needs.
Do you see common ground on any issues with members of the opposite party? If so, what?
We can all agree that we want to provide Kentucky students with excellent education. Schools are the focal point for many of our counties and we are proud of our students. Across parties, we all want to keep Kentucky families safe. We also want our communities to be not only safe, but vibrant where families can thrive. Kentucky’s economy is important to all of us. We can agree that Kentuckians deserve good-paying jobs that can help them secure their futures.
What groups, individuals or businesses have endorsed you?
It is early in the process; I have not yet received endorsements.