My focus is:

• Economic expansion of our local job market
• Smart development of our historic downtown
• Health and safety of our community
• Alternative education opportunities
• Community-based programs for the homeless

Protection of our community is the primary role of the City Council. At this particular time we are in need of new leadership with fresh ideas and a return to the ideal of servant hood - that the council is elected to serve its community, not special interest groups. I am not a career politician, nor to I wish to become one. My entire working life has been and still is devoted to serving those in my community. I would appreciate your vote to do just that.

Jobs

We are at a critical point in the history of Flagstaff. Current declines in financial resources are having a domino effect, resulting in lay-offs and downsizing. We need a plan to create jobs - local jobs and not out-sourced work to Phoenix or Los Angeles. Suppliers need to be local. The payroll needs to stay in our community.

Smart Growth

Present economic challenges require innovative thinking and creative planning. We need to stimulate the economy, offer more employment opportunities, provide for environmentally-friendly affordable housing and maintain a common sense approach to growth. This will require a collaborative and cooperative commitment by the city toward business expansion and community development. This can be accomplished by the creation of city-developer-business strategic planning groups and an aggressive pursuit of federal TARP funds. Our citizens don't want Flagstaff to become a bustling metropolis but smart land use and the development of true tourist friendly zones will increase private business and public revenues.

Health and Safety

As a retired law enforcement officer and now as a registered nurse, I know that providing for the health and safety of our community is an essential function entrusted to the city. Many are aware that the abuse of alcohol is a serious safety issue in our city. Scores of injuries occur each year as well as hundreds of thousand of dollars in damage to public and private property due to alcohol abuse. A local ordinance outlawing public intoxication would allow law enforcement another tool in providing for public safety. I know firsthand from being in law enforcement and now as a nurse that our police, fire and first-response medical providers must have the proper equipment, training and funding to meet the needs of our community.

Education

Traditional public education is no longer meeting the needs of our students and the community. We need to explore other options and alternatives to keep students engaged and in the education system while recognizing that not everyone needs or wants a college education. Offering more "hands on" classes that could equate to internships might engage students that would otherwise abandon school altogether, adding to the ranks of under- and unemployed. The city might consider sponsoring alternative programs to provide training and apprenticeships for students interested in the trade fields jobs that are crucial to our survival.

Homeless

The problem of the homeless and shelter service needs are increasing in Flagstaff and cannot be ignored or postponed. These are desperate times for desperate people. Current programs are provided by a variety of community and governmental agencies at multiple locations. Most are stretched to their limits. It's time to consolidate services at a central facility that is operated year-round. This central hub could provide shelter and food as well as medical and counseling services. This must be a collaborative effort enlisting input by charitable organizations. It can also become a locale at which community volunteers could assist.