I was born and raised in Santa Fe in a single parent household with a family of 5 kids and almost no money. I wore hand-me-down clothes, scrambled for lunch money and wondered if my family would make ends meet. I knew if I was to go to college after graduating from Santa Fe High School, that I would have to pay my own way. I worked summer jobs, secured student loans and worked the whole time I was in college to pay for my Bachelor’s degree from Eastern New Mexico University and my Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of New Mexico.

My parents taught me the ethics of hard work and earning an honest living. I retired as the Court Director at the First Judicial District Court. Other public service included Deputy Director at the NM Supreme Court, Human Resources Director for the City of Santa Fe under two mayors, Los Alamos County and NM Taxation and Revenue Department. I was hired by Governor Bill Richardson to serve on his transition staff and was appointed by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham to serve on her transition team to study the entire state’s personnel system. I am Vice-Chair of the Board at the State Employees Credit Union. I am past chair of the Labor Management Relations Board for Northern NM College and the New Mexico State Personnel Board. I also served as Adjunct Faculty for the University of New Mexico and taught Public Administration courses. I’ve worked in all three branches of government.

I’m running to be your next Mayor because I have the successful, proven track record in public service that I can put to work immediately to make a significant difference. I am known for getting things done. I can empathize with individuals and families who struggle to live and work in Santa Fe, who wonder where their next meal will come from and whether they will have a roof over their head when the bills come due. I care deeply about the rising crime rate and will take the necessary steps to improve residents’ safety. While growing up, my younger brother was killed in my neighborhood by a hit and run driver while he was riding his bicycle on the last day of school. I know the pain of not feeling safe. I envision a Santa Fe where taxpayer money isn’t wasted and we devote it to clean parks for our children, maintained buildings and streets, where all sections of this city are beautiful and worthy. I have always valued taxpayer money as if it was coming out of my own pocket. I believe in fiscal responsibility, quality control, efficiencies and effectiveness all with the goal of extremely effective customer service. I will preserve and respect our traditions, culture and will be inclusive of all residents. I will be a Mayor who knows how to get things accomplished by providing good leadership, experienced management and valued employees.

I didn’t move here from somewhere else and I am not moving anywhere after this. I’ve raised my paramedic-first responder son here. I’m ready to go to work for you and I ask for your vote on November 4th.