Since being sworn in as a councilmember nearly four years ago, things happened that none of us were expecting. COVID-19 took us all by storm, shutting down everything and changing our lives dramatically. George Floyd was murdered, and his death prompted community uprisings and civil unrest to bring attention to police brutality and racial injustices.
All of our meetings were shifted to a virtual format and meeting one-on-one with community residents was nearly impossible. Many of us found ourselves working from home, and our kids were taking part in distance learning right next to us.
We adjusted. We adapted. We figured it out. And at city hall, we did the same thing, and still kept West St. Paul moving in a forward direction. I’m so proud of what we’ve done and so excited for the things we can still accomplish.
I have gained extensive civic experience since joining the City Council in January 2019:
In addition, I testified in front of the Minnesota House of Representatives’ House Property & Local Tax Committee in early 2019 for approval of our voter-approved sales tax increase. And in 2021, I spoke to the House Capital Investment Committee to make a direct ask for $2.83 million in bonding appropriations for critical wastewater infrastructure needs.
Informally, I’ve enjoyed riding along with the West St. Paul Police when hitting as many Nite to Unite parties as possible each August, and showing up at as many events as possible throughout West St. Paul to say hello and make sure people know their city councilperson.