Why I’m Running for Russell Township Trustee

When I made the decision to run for Trustee, it wasn’t out of ambition for a title or a seat at the table. It was because I believe I can make a meaningful difference in the community my family and I call home. I bring a combination of professional qualifications, personal experience, and a deep sense of responsibility to help our township thrive.

A Foundation of Listening and Leadership

I hold both an MBA and a master’s degree in counseling. My professional work centers on listening, truly listening, to people, and responding with what’s known in my field as unconditional positive regard. That means treating others with respect and dignity, even when we disagree. I believe this skill set translates powerfully to local government, where our community deserves leaders who listen first and act thoughtfully.

I’ve worn many hats in life: counselor, volunteer firefighter, wife, and parent. Each of those roles has shaped how I see the world — and how I want to shape our township’s future.

Called to Find Solutions

I’m running because I see things that need attention and I feel called to help solve them. Russell Township faces challenges that can’t be ignored — from blighted and vacant properties to the future of key sites like the old propane store. I want to work collaboratively to clean up and revitalize these areas so they can once again contribute to our community’s beauty, safety, and property tax base.

But it’s not just about buildings or zoning. It’s about neighbors. It’s about creating a place where families want to live, businesses want to invest, and people feel proud to call home.

Bridging Divides, Not Deepening Them

Too often, politics gets in the way of progress. I believe we can — and must — work beyond political labels. Nobody in Russell Township should ever feel unsafe or unwelcome because of their political beliefs, whether they lean liberal or conservative. We share the same roads, the same parks, and the same hopes for our community’s future. Nobody should feel forced to move due to not wearing the right color of hat or have bricks thrown through their window due to a social media post.

Getting off of social media during this campaign was the best thing I did, it forced me to get outside to meet, you, my neighbors.

I want to lead with respect and bring people together to focus on solutions, not divisions.

Standing Up — Even When It’s Hard

Running for office hasn’t been easy. I’ve faced death threats simply for stepping into this race. But I believe deeply in this community and its potential. My campaign isn’t about politics — it’s about service, integrity, and showing up for the people who call Russell home.

A Township That Works for All of Us

This campaign isn’t just mine — it’s ours. It’s about neighbors talking to neighbors. It’s about listening, finding common ground, and solving problems together. I’m running because I love Russell Township and believe we can build something better together.

This house collapsed on March 4, 2025, after being left to rot with no intervention from zoning or the trustees.