Clay County has an image problem. No One argues that point any more. But it’s Clay County government’s reality problem that motivates me to run for Western Commissioner.

Over the past four years, Clay County’s budget has increased by $ 19 million dollars, from $54 million to $73 million. That’s a 35 % increase! And what do we have to show for it?

• Skyrocketing property taxes.
• New taxes imposed by the County Commissioners, even after voters say "no.
• Some elected officials who annually grant themselves raises, work when they feel like it, and make questionable decisions about how to spend taxpayers' money.

Petty bickering, politics and cronyism have harmed Clay Count’s reputation and the hampered smooth of services to Clay County citizens far too long. Some Clay County politicians have broken faith with the people, and these kinds of antics should be a wake up call for voters to demand professional leadership.

With 25 years experience as Kansas City Councilwoman and State Representative, I have earned a reputation of honesty and ethical conduct, together with the ability to create opportunities by developing the right relationships. I know that more can be accomplished through diplomacy than through partisan politics.

Clay County is too big to limit ourselves to small thinking. But in the end, it’s about keeping the public trust. With me, there will be no surprises. I take my responsibilities as a public official seriously, and I will never embarrass the people of Clay County.

I ask for your support, I ask for your vote, and I hope that you will join me in making Clay County the place we are proud to call home.