My Experience as a Public Servant
I am running to be an effective County Commissioner.
My district encompasses the eastern half of the City of Faribault. I have lived my entire life here.
As soon as I was able, I volunteered to be a public servant:
On the City Planning Commission, I have learned to interpret and set precedent with our ordinances. We consider how every vote impacts the Comprehensive Plan. We have systematically rezoned areas of Faribault to better reflect their current use and their intended future use. Diligent attention to detail and understanding the process of decision-making are skills that I have honed on the Planning Commission.
The same applies to my time on the Faribault Heritage Preservation Commission, where I currently serve as Vice Chair. We are constantly reflecting on how we can most effectively meet our mission of preserving and sharing the history of Faribault. This means fostering positive working relationships with building owners, public employees, and the general public. I have advocated for streamlining processes to ensure quality experiences with local government, taking down red tape for good business partners, and taking a hardline stance when necessary to defend our principles of historic preservation.
I own and operate a small business, Steamboat Media Company, LLC, which specializes in history and building community. I have been studying local history and producing documentaries on the subject since 2015. I work with contractors, clients, and experts to make big projects successful.
For my day job, I drive along the Cannon River to work for the City of Northfield, where I serve as Station Manager for Northfield Public Broadcasting. In this position, I have navigated relationships with elected officials and my peers to write and deliver on public policy.
Since 2019, I have served as an Election Judge. I have learned a great deal about our local election process. One of the most fulfilling things I've done is helping register voters, sometimes for the first time.
Through my day job and my volunteer commission work, I have developed a deep understanding of how local government functions. I have formed professional relationships with dedicated civil servants across Rice County. It is my honor to serve alongside them in my current capacity; I hope to also do so as Rice County Commissioner.
Immediately after high school graduation, I served as an AmeriCorps Volunteer in Service to America (VISTA) at the Faribault Diversity Coalition. In that position, my focus was on increasing professional opportunities and business/nonprofit/government best practices.
For the Elder Collegium, a local adult education nonprofit, I have taught popular courses on local history and the historiography of Walt Disney.
At the Paradise Center for the Arts, I have been an active technician and performer since I was ten years old. In 2018 I began directing theatrical productions, adding budgetary and leadership responsibilities in addition to my other roles.
Through River Bend Nature Center, I became a certified Minnesota Master Naturalist Volunteer. I have volunteered to lead book clubs for elementary schoolers; visited middle school classes to discuss local history; taught Sunday School for several years at First English Lutheran Church.
This year, I have begun to volunteer with Clean River Partners and the Community Action Center. I was also a volunteer with the civic engagement initiative at this year's Faribault Heritage Days.
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I believe that my experience in public service has prepared me to work effectively on behalf of Faribault.
