Experience and accomplishments:
I’m a lifelong Beckley resident. Being a part of this community means everything to me. I have been married 35 years to my kind and hard-working husband, Larry. Our amazing and accomplished son, Jacob, is 26, and lives in Morgantown, where he works for a non-profit.
I began working at age 15, in my family’s small business. My first “official” job was in local retail at 16, at Stone and Thomas Department store. I did everything from office work to selling cosmetics, to creating window displays. I worked and paid my way through college, first at Beckley College, then Concord University, receiving my teaching degree, specializing in elementary education, K-6, with endorsements in math, science, and language arts. My Master’s is in curriculum and instruction from Salem University.
I got the message from my family that education is key, we care for others, and hard work pays off. In addition to retail experience, I worked at The Learning Tree Child Care Center under the direction of Tom and Marie Fowler. I taught language arts to preschoolers, and did most other jobs required in child care. I had a 34-year career as a teacher with Raleigh County Schools, teaching special education, elementary, and middle school . I was one of the first teachers in the county to welcome the DARE program into my classroom. I continue to this day to work as a consultant, trainer, and mentor. I love my job and my students. I worked at fundraising and grant-writing to obtain new materials and funds for necessities to make my classroom a place for students to succeed. My co-teacher and I, along with students, and parents, raised funds to purchase an impressive cache of equipment for our science program. Since 2013, I have been a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, an international society for Key Women Educators. Together, our members raise scholarship money for local students planning a career in education; we participate in local projects of all kinds; and we raise money for Dolly’s Imagination Library, which provides free books for children, ages birth to 5. I have been nominated for, and have won my share of accolades, and was chosen Raleigh County Teacher of the Year in 2013. The best part of being a teacher will always be the students, “my kids”.
I was motivated to run for city council, because I see needs and possibilities. I love my hometown. I was born here, raised here, attended school here, and grew up worshipping in a small community Baptist church. I have adhered to those teachings since I was baptised at the age of ten. My neighbors know our family, we take care of each other, and gather together often. Every location on the map has its own set of problems, priorities, and pluses. Beckley is no exception. Being a Beckley resident means a great deal to me. I remember fondly the small businesses, the local restaurants, and the opportunities that once defined the city of Beckley. I believe in the good of our people. I have long served as an advocate and voice for children, families, and state employees. I have been a leader in the classroom and would gladly transfer those skills as a representative for Ward 1 and for the rest of the city.
We must take steps to make our city a desirable, welcoming and safe place to live, work, and visit. Homelessness, combined with drug addiction, harbors other problems, such as vagrancy, property crimes, and panhandling. Our city cannot simply ignore the problems. I have studied three other WV cities with similar populations, which are combatting similar problems. Two of the cities, Huntington and Morgantown, are making strides in fixing these problems. Charleston is having less success. The commonality in the previous are day shelters. The day shelters provide a place for the unhoused to get off the streets, get a meal, clean up, and receive help with employment. Beckley currently has a number of feeding programs, resource agencies, addiction recovery, and opportunities for help. Those who work in these occupations are undoubtedly sincere in their efforts. Perhaps a concerted effort could pool all the resources and help to alleviate the issues. Homelessness is not just a city problem. It is a county, state, and national problem. I am a realist. While homelessness may never be completely resolved, a joint effort could alleviate the existing issues, as we revitalize our town district. I will work hard, educate myself and support any effort to restore our hometown to the place it can become.
I will advocate for more transparency in city government. In light of recent events and findings, we, as a community, must be more actively involved in the workings of the city of Beckley. We should stay aware, attend council meetings, participate in local events, and take advantage of opportunities our hometown offers. If elected, I will do my best to keep the residents informed of city matters. I will be sincere and dedicated in my efforts to represent our citizens.
City Council members take on a great deal of responsibility. I truly believe past and current members entered the field with the best of intentions. The residents and taxpayers deserve accountability. I bring to the table: education, life and work experiences, and a lot of personal connections. I certainly do not have all the answers, and I’ll need to ask a lot of questions. On topics less familiar to me, I’ll defer to the experts. I have work ethic, drive, compassion, empathy, and a capacity to listen and learn. I would be honored to serve the residents of Beckley, City Council Ward 1. Together, we can build a better Beckley!