Veteran | Health Care Worker | Labor Industry Worker | Activist | Contractor

What makes a good Representative?

Many people think that a Representative makes speeches, holds fundraisers, and cast votes. In reality that is only a small part of what a Representative’s role is and public speaking is only a small part of the position.

The qualifications for a Representative are skills that an individual either does or does not possess. According to Lee Hamilton, a 34 year Congressman, now retired, an effective Congressional Representative has the following characteristics:
1. Should be a generalist: someone who studies and seeks advice on an array of issues.

2. Advocate: for individuals, groups and communities.

3. Educator: translate modern issues to constituents.

4. Communicator: develop rapport with all types of individuals from CEO’s to students.

5. and most importantly, Consensus Builder: bringing people together to find solutions to the nation’s problems.

I not only possess all these qualifications I practice them on a daily basis. As a Business Systems Analyst I communicate with people with a varied set of needs and requirements both nationally and internationally. My skills of listening, ability to see different viewpoints, research, leadership, problem solving, development of creative solutions, and consensus building so everyone is satisfied, has been honed to a science.

I am a listener, communicator, educator, leader, advocate, problem solver and consensus builder. My diverse background brings unique insight and abilities to serve Maryland’s 6th District.


My Diverse Background

I was born, raised and educated in Washington County, MD, and I know the value of a good public school education. When I was a student at Williamsport High School, teachers had the latitude to teach rather than simply train students to pass standardized tests. This gave me the skills needed to be successful in business and in life. I will fight to ensure that our schools have whatever they need to help our students be successful.

During my senior year, I entered the military, and went on to serve our Country in the U.S. Army after graduation. I was one of the first women in a battalion of men and proved that I could do the job in a combat heavy engineer unit through hard work and perseverance. As a veteran, I truly understand the challenges and sacrifices soldiers and their families face when deployed far from home. I will fight to make sure the voices of our soldiers are heard, whether it’s making sure they have the equipment they need, or addressing their health care needs once they return home.

After my honorable discharge, I attended college in order to obtain a degree in Radiologic Science (X-ray). As a health care worker, I have seen first hand how insurance companies have reduced coverage to their clients as well as payment to providers for services. I have experienced first hand the loss of a dear friend with a serious health problem, and who eventually died because he had no means to pay for health care. This should not happen in a country with the most advanced medical facilities in the world as well as some of the most highly skilled doctors and nurses. I will work tirelessly to ensure all citizens have adequate health care coverage.

During the 1990’s I followed another passion of mine, Information Technology (I.T.). Currently, I manage systems as well as create and write processes and procedures for a major corporation. Initially, the I.T. field was touted as the new economy, however over a mere decade the I.T. industry has become famous for outsourcing work to other countries. Each year more and more jobs are going to foreign markets; and I have watched my co-workers jobs being outsourced. It’s time to level the playing field and make sure that doing business in America means hiring American workers.

My family and the people of Washington County, Maryland have been an early inspiration in my life. This is where I developed my core values of hard work, honesty, and service to others. As I have matured, I have had the great fortune to travel throughout the United States, with my partner Lynn, and live as far west as California and as far south as Texas. We have a wonderful, vibrant country with much to offer its people, and the world. I hope to use my unique perspectives and skills in the service of people I care deeply about – the people of Maryland’s 6th District. No one will work more vigorously, more consistently or more honestly to represent the concerns and interests of the 6th District.