Let's make Fairbanks even better
One person can make a difference
I've always been excited by what Fairbanks allows a person to do. We're still a young State, and that means things are still being figured out. It's the groups of folks who get excited and start programs like recycling, or community gardens, or fund and open an organic grocery store! We have work to be done because we're still young. Through community service, or volunteering, we get an awful lot accomplished but Fairbanks can still do better. That's where our city government comes into play. As a resident for over 20 years, I've seen some changes and I'd like to see more. As a City Council member, I believe I bring a "let's get it done" attitude along with some creative energy.
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working in the community
Community & Volunteering
Downtown Association of Fairbanks
I've been on the board of the Downtown Association for a decade. While on the board, I've worked with the community to develop the Vision Fairbanks Plan, establish and promote the CSP to make the Downtown core safer for the businesses and affordable for the City. DTA is involved with the small businesses that make up our Downtown core. We support things like The Downtown Improvement Program (City Hall-driven). I have volunteered at the Midnight Sun Festival for years to ensure the success of our community's biggest event.
Festival Fairbanks
Festival Fairbanks works to enhance the long-term quality of life for Alaska residents through tourism and economic development, historic preservation through recognition of significant historical anniversaries and beautification. As a non-profit, Festival Fairbanks partners with the City of Fairbanks to maintain and program the Golden Heart Plaza, the Riverwalk, and all the planters through the downtown core. We also host the annual Veteran's Day event held at the Westmark Hotel.
Precinct Chairperson for State and Local Elections
I've been proud to help Fairbanksans vote in their polling places for over 15 years. This is one of the most important roles I play in the City. I'm responsible to oversee the Election Day operations at an assigned polling place. This includes recruiting, managing and working with election workers, coordination of site access, setting up equipment and opening the polls, assisting and processing voters, completing the closing procedures, transmitting election results and ensuring the ballots, voting materials, supplies and voting equipment are secured and returned to the division.
FNSBÂ Downtown Working Group
The FNSB Mayor asked the Downtown Working Group to give a broader community perspective on the Downtown Fairbanks planning effort. Over the course of 7 years, a mix of business owners, residents, and community members met monthly to create a plan that is still underway. The plan hAs been adopted by The City and the Borough Assembly. finalized will be used by government and private development to make sure any future projects will work hand-in-glove with the City and the Borough.
Fast Planning Public Enhancement Committee
I'm starting my 5th year on the FAST Planning Public Enhancement Committee. We focus on projects for local multi-modal transportations that work for the betterment of the community.
"Polaris" Sculpture Committee
A triangle of waterfront property on the north bank of the Chena was transformed from a parking lot to a green space. A committee of nine local residents held hearings and conducted a detailed competitive search process before choosing the proposal by the two Vancouver artists. The committee work, led by Donna Gardino of the transportation planning group, took place because the original plan offered by the state Department of Transportation and Public Facilities prompted numerous complaints.
KUAC Community Advisory Council
The purpose of the KUAC Community Advisory Council is to reflect and communicate the needs and interests of the many communities served by KUAC FM and KUAC TV to station management.
the duties of the Council members are to:
Inform themselves with regard to public broadcasting issues and policies, especially as they relate to Alaska;
Become aware of the needs and interests of the communities served by KUAC ; and
Advise station management with regard to programming goals and service delivery.
GVEA Member Advisory Ccommittee
I served on the MAC and was asked to served on various committees (district nominating, annual meeting, bylaw review and election)
I'd like your vote
October 7, 2025
I've had 3 exciting years and I'd love to continue this awesome work.
Respect. Rethink. Revitalize.
My Priorities
Police and Fire
Let’s fully-fund, train and fill all positions (Let’s continue to expand the CSP to take pressure off the police). I've been successful is hiring more firefighters to keep our city safe and our overtime manageable. We are woefully understaffed in our police department. It's our challenge to get new recruits and keep the veterans. Along side that need is filling our Emergency Dispatch positions. These departments depend on each other.
Public Works
Let’s make sure our streets and public places are well-maintained and the streets get equal, proper snow removal. We know the snow will fall. Since my time on the Council, we've instituted new schedules for neighborhoods and the Downtown Core. Making sure people can get to work and do their work is essential.
Revitalize Downtown
Let’s do more to entice more retail and service businesses to come back to Downtown to provide services for those professionals who move to Fairbanks. And let’s continue to foster a walkable Downtown. In 2025, the City initiated a new program called the Storefront Improvement Program – an attempt at offering a helping beautify our retail shops
Affordable Housing
I've worked with Public Works, the Building Department, and the Mayor's office to introduce various ordinances that provide tax rebates for rehabbing distressed or building new properties. I've introduced ordinances to correct blighted or nuisance properties so that neighborhoods feel safe and encourage growth. There's more work to be done.
