I started out life in the small town of Glenham, SD, the oldest of five children. My family moved to Canton, SD where I graduated high school prior to attending South Dakota State University. I earned my BS degree in physical education, health education, and a coaching certification. I have taught in public schools for nine years as well as worked in migrant education for 11 years as a regional recruiter. I am blessed with three children and eight grandchildren. I have been married for 30 years and love living in Tracy, MN. I was a member of the community center working group and I am very proud of our beautiful and functional facility. I was a founding member of Tracy Area Animal Rescue, and I have served as a volunteer of the SAIL exercise program for seniors. I have served a total of 27 years on Tracy City Council.
Why did you decide to run for a seat on the council?
I decided to run for Tracy City Council because I love the life that our city offers it’s citizens. For a town of this size, we are blessed with wonderful schools, police, fire, and ambulance services. Our Aquatic Center, parks, and churches are something I truly believe bring a community together. I have always fought to keep medical services in our city through our hospital and clinic. I want to help keep Tracy on this track of progress and livability by helping make important decisions on the council that supports this great town. With my past experience on council, I believe that I can offer ideas and support for the greater good for all.
Are there areas along Hwy. 14 that can be improved, and if so, how can we make that happen?
I would like to see some work on getting interest in the Family Dollar store because it hurts to see an empty storefront on the highway. There is still the possibility of getting a hotel out next to the Cabbose. It still needs more capital, but this development would be a great asset to the city.
As we all know, small-town downtowns are mostly quiet these days when it comes to retail. What can Tracy do to bring vibrancy and traffic back to downtown, and how can Tracy attract more business to bolster our tax base, either downtown or elsewhere?
I believe that activities at the Veterans Memorial Center help bring people to town. Unfortunately, our downtown businesses do not stay open to accommodate potential customers. They cannot afford to stay open infrequently. We also have had a great loan program for a business to remodel or improve their property. The City intends to apply for those funds when they become available again. This is a tough question because there are so many variables.
