1. What is it that you love about Ann Arbor?

I’ve called Ann Arbor home for 28 years, starting with six years as a U-M student where I made lifelong memories at local legends like Drake’s, Pinball Pete’s, the Nectarine Ballroom, and the Bagel Factory. It was during my sophomore year that I met my husband, Ray, a local “townie” who was born and raised right here in Ward 2.

For the past 22 years, my life has been a happy blur of raising our three children and building a career. As a parent, I love our welcoming community and neighborhood—where quiet streets and mature trees mean you are never more than a 10-minute walk from a park.

One of my absolute favorite experiences is AAPS Orchestra Night at Hill Auditorium. Watching our students from across the city perform in such a world-class venue is a “magical experience” that perfectly captures the soul of Ann Arbor; it is a place where children see what is possible when a community truly invests in their potential.

Ultimately, I love that Ann Arbor is a welcoming, diverse place that prioritizes education, culture, and a progressive spirit. It has provided an idyllic setting for my family to ride bikes, play at the park, and simply be part of a safe and supportive community.

2. What are the three most pressing problems you care about fixing?

  1. Keeping Families in Ann Arbor: We are at a crossroads. Between 2000 and 2020, we saw a 21% decline in our under-18 population possibly due to limited attainable housing for young families.

  2. Our Aging Foundation: Our “hidden engine”—water, sewer, and power—is being pushed to its limits. City data shows our water plant could reach capacity as early as 2034 if we grow quickly.

  3. Restoring Public Trust: Many neighbors feel like the city treats planning as a “check-the-box” exercise rather than a true partnership.

3. How would you go about fixing those problems?

I advocate for “Mindful Growth.” In 2004 we moved from Mountain View, California and lived in a new development townhouse community with a light rail system. That experience showed me that density can be functional and beautiful when it is proactively planned. I support adding a diversity of housing types to support the “missing middle” for teachers and young professionals while keeping our neighborhoods’ visual character intact. At the same time, I will practice Active Guardianship by matching our growth to our actual utility capacity so our basic services remain so reliable they feel seamless.

4. If your solution meets resistance or doesn’t work, what do you do next?

I believe in collaborative synthesis. When I served as co-president of the NEA2CC and the University proposed a bus yard in our neighborhood, we didn’t just say “no.” We demanded data, treated neighbors as legitimate stakeholders, and worked toward a “favorable conclusion” that moved the project away from residential streets. If a plan fails, I won’t push a top-down mandate; I will listen to the feedback, and try again until we find a solution.

5. Voters have three candidates for Ward 2. How should they think of the differences between you and your opponents?

Think of me as the candidate who combines professional management with neighborly advocacy.

  • The Strategist: I’ve spent 30 years in global boardrooms at companies like Intel and T-Mobile. I have the experience to manage our city’s $500M+ budget and treat our services as a professional portfolio.

  • The Neighbor Who Jumps In: I don’t just offer visions; I have a track record of rolling up my sleeves for Ward 2. Whether I was navigating a complex dispute with the University of Michigan over a proposed bus yard in our neighborhood or rallying the town to Save Bagel Fragel, I’ve lived these struggles alongside you and delivered results.

6. What are your thoughts on how politics has evolved lately, and how does it affect your approach?

People are tired of “performance politics” and top-down mandates. That’s why my campaign identity—Burgundy and Chartreuse—avoids the traditional political look. Burgundy represents our “Roots” and history, while Chartreuse represents the fresh energy and innovation we need. My approach is to replace polished speeches with honest, face-to-face conversations where every resident is treated as a partner in progress.

7. Trust in institutions is low. Make your case to Observer readers that you can ensure their dignity in Ann Arbor.

As a “Double Wolverine” and a Ward 2 parent, I know trust is earned through stewardship, not speeches. I am running to ensure you have a feedback loop into the vision to provide guard rails for growth. I also believe a city’s success is measured by its Seamless Infrastructure: the security of knowing that when you turn on the tap or walk your kids to school, the systems underneath you are rock-solid.

I offer a strategy that meets the needs of our community. My goal is to ensure your inclusion and dignity by treating you as the legitimate stakeholder you are.

8. Zingerman’s, Ahmos, No Thai, Fleetwood, or Le Dog. Where would you rather go to lunch?

No Thai!  I’ll take the green curry with tofu, medium spice. It’s so tasty and filling that I can usually eat half and save the rest for lunch tomorrow.