Very important because as a board have a responsibility to the public in the fact that we make decision that affect their quality of life. The county has a regional responsibility; therefore, inter-governmental cooperation with the villages, towns and cities within the county is important as well. Even though these municipalities govern themselves, there are overlapping factors such as delivery of services, managing emergency services, ensure a safe and secure detention facilities, financial disbursements and collections in the form of taxes as well as long- and short-term economic development and regional land use planning. It is the boards goal to make sure our county’s government in open, transparent and functions for all, maintains high quality facilities, highways and transportation infrastructure, promote a safe and health community and supports balanced planned economic growth while preserving resources. The board has committees that deals with our broad spectrum of responsibilities. I current sat on the Environmental Land Use Committee (ELUC). ELUC works closely with the Champaign County Zoning Board. Overall, the Champaign County Board interacts with all county elected officials in some way and network with all municipality via our district’s representatives and intergovernmental agreements. This is very important to our rural unincorporated area who have no governing body other than the county, which I have a bit of in my district – Champaign County District 10.

Most Champaign County citizens meet the minimum qualifications to serve on the Champaign County Board. The requirements are that you must be:
• at least 18 years of age
• a US Citizen
• a resident of Champaign County
• a resident in the District you are seeking the seat
• have a voting history in either of the 2 major parties (Democrat or Republican)

Beyond those qualifications, I have a -
• Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Gies College of Business with a concentration in Management Information Systems
• Master of Science degree in Training and Development from Eastern Illinois University’s School of Technology with a certification in Workplace Improvement.

I retired from the University of Illinois Library in 2009 after 30 years in information management. Since then I’ve been employed as a business analyst, a project manager, an information management specialist, an accounting assistant, helpdesk coordinator. Currently, I work part-time as an administrative assistant. I feel my life and work experiences, my educational background, along with my willingness to use my skills to further the values, vision, and mission of the county more than qualifies me to sat on the Champaign County Board representing District 10. My extensive work history, as well as my educational background, can be found on my LinkedIn Profile

The county’s downtown jail and sheriff’s offices are disrepair and in need of an overhaul or a teardown/rebuild. The satellite jail needs to be re-configured to handle the medically and mentally ill who are incarcerated. The correctional staff needs are not being met and safety has been noted as a problem when it comes to inadequate facilities and diverse clientele. Issues like “gang affiliation”, the small female population in larger pod and inmate with medical and behavior issues are driving the need for design changes at both locations. I’d like to see this issue resolved with $0 bond release for non-violent offenders, alternative solutions for behavioral arrest and facilities improvement.

Urbanization of the county is clear and as the region grows, the county has an obligation to bring about intergovernmental cooperation with the municipalities within the county. The growing violence in our county is unacceptable and needs to be managed at the countywide level with intergovernmental cooperation. Other issues such as enterprise zones, alternative sources of energy, such as wind and, solar farms are an issue I’d like to work on because they will improve our quality of life in our county but need supervision.

Homelessness is another problem that continues to grow countywide. I believe it is directly tied to behavioral issues such as mental illness, drug use, and abuse and increasing urbanization

How long it will take is – is really out my control, I'll need to have a consensus and the support of the board.

As a first-time public appointed official, I am excited to bring a fresh new perspective to the Champaign County Board. In today’s political climate, everyone needs to step up and become involved in their neighborhoods and communities as well as their local, county, state and federal governments. I’ve been a precinct committee person for several years and felt it was time for me to step up. I strive for excellence in public service and integrity; while demanding diversity and inclusiveness on the Champaign County Board. I am the voice for District 10. I have an open-door policy and encourage everyone in my district to contact me and keep me informed of their needs as it pertains to county business.