Experience
Utilizing my experience in overseeing teams ranging from 3 to 225 employees throughout my 35-year tenure in the corporate sector, I have honed transferable skills that make me a fitting candidate for the position of County Commissioner. My proficiency in preparing and managing both capital and operating budgets surpassing 500 million dollars equips me to effectively navigate the annual budgetary process within the county context. Over the course of several years, my role in internal auditing and contract assessment as the manager of construction audits has equipped me with the acumen to pose crucial inquiries regarding expenditures.
Furthermore, my personal journey as a caregiver for my son, who grappled with bipolar schizoaffective disorder, has bestowed upon me invaluable insights and a profound sense of empathy when it comes to addressing the challenges posed by severe mental illness.
Compassion
Compassion is evident in our approach to addressing homelessness and our sustained collaborations with community partners in the areas of behavioral and mental health. Our commitment translates into ongoing prospects to contribute to the establishment of crisis care for child and adolescent behavioral health, as well as to facilitate opportunities for individuals to discover fulfilling career pathways, exemplified by our partnership with Peaslee Tech.
Article 7 paragraph 4 of the Kansas Constitution states
Effective Communication
The annual budget is one of the bigger jobs the county administration undertakes each year. Clear and effective communication must be communicated to all of our county employees and community partners to make the process flow and less time consuming. As a full-time commissioner, I will ensure that all partners understand the process and guidelines. My 10 years of managing budget preparation of 200 million + budgets will be valuable in this area.
Collaboration
I pledge to work with our community partners as partners and not as adversaries. Working as equal partners will reduce cost and have better results. Douglas County is full of talented people willing to help, we just have to ask. Douglas County needs to be known as the county that gets things done.
Transparency
With 5 commissioners instead of three this will improve. I promise to be open with my fellow commissioners and my taxpayers. Not being a politician but a concerned citizen will definitely be an asset in this regard.