Rogue and disengaged leaders are dangerous. I will use my skills as a trained and licensed counselor to listen, interpret, and bridge the needs of Garland residents to the city. Although I have wishes for the city, my main goal is to listen to the constituents of District 3 and garner their concerns into actionable plans. Some of the main issues I've been told about that need attention include: 18 wheeler parking in undesignated areas, pavement issues in residential streets, the entrances to the city not being kept up, and frustrations with how our lakefront has been utilized.

Your voice does matter and I will make it a point that it is heard.

I moved to Garland in 2012 and into my current residence in 2014. Although initially just looking for a place to live, my husband and I have found a home in our neighborhood. A true sense of safety and belonging has come with being close friends with those who share similar addresses.

Based on my experience of connection with our neighbors, I will launch the Know Thy Neighbor Initiative, the focus being modern day community within Garland neighborhoods. The basics include information being gathered from interested residents, stored, and shared in a convenient and accessible way. Neighborhoods will be sent prompts and suggestions on how to use the information they learn about their neighbors interests, hobbies, professions, and strengths into opportunities to bond, refer to one another, and fully harness the value of the communities we call home.

This will allow District 3, and other districts who opt in, to become acquainted or reacquainted with those who live nearby.

Lastly, let’s be frank, Garland has an image problem across the metroplex and more intimately South Garland has an image problem within the city. You know why? Too many of the decisions being made are shortsighted. We must begin looking in depth at the long range impacts of traffic, residential and commercial construction, and leisure space in and around Garland.

I will challenge the council to make meaningful decisions about what goods and services we currently have within the city and those we want to attract in order to best round out its offerings.

In summary, between making solid & sustainable business decisions, the Know Thy Neighbor Initiative, & honoring the democratic process of being a voice for many, we can have the best of both worlds- the quaintness & value of community within a thriving & populous city.