Professional Experience: Community Outreach &
Environmental Education specialist, Washington Dept. of Ecology, Adjunct
Faculty WSU TC Environmental Sciences, WSU Cooperative Extension, Water Quality
Associate.
Education: BA Advertising, 1989 and MS
Environmental Science, 1996 - California State University Fullerton. Richland
(Columbia) High 1982.
International
Association for Public Participation Community Engagement practitioner
Community Service: Volunteer: Confluent Space,
GoGreenTriCities.org, Libby STEAM Middle School planning team, Drums Along the
Columbia, numerous parent booster committees, Nature Conservancy, Friends of
the Sea Lion, American Lung Association Orange County, Friends of the L.A.
River.
Chair,
Carmichael Middle School Science Fair 2007-9, Tapteal Greenway founding board
‘96-2005.
Statement: I'm a Richland Bomber who attended college in Phoenix and Los Angeles,
where I embraced the cultural diversity those cities offered. In 1993 my
husband and I moved home to Richland to care for my mother, Mary Baird, who
fell ill. Since my return, I have fully engaged in this community, and believe
in Richland's potential.
I've
been frustrated as Richland council and
staff sell our shoreline (limiting public access), try to develop Columbia
Point South (dismissing Tribal concerns), and invite public opinion then ignore
it. Planning and economic development efforts lack focus. Promising ideas
brought forward by community volunteers and visionaries are dismissed, while
council and staff encourage sprawl or burden us with infrastructure costs.
I
will listen to you and consider your opinion. I will focus on revitalizing
Richland's urban core, improving opportunities to walk and bike, avoiding
habitat loss, and supporting the arts, culture, and community collaboration.
Richland's
unique role in history led to secrecy and exclusion. We can honor that history,
while moving forward as a welcoming, inclusive city. I will encourage public
participation and transparency. I'll
engage residents in creating a diverse Richland, one that values people, and
prioritizes local businesses.
Let's
move forward together.