Four years ago, I stepped into something completely new.

Not because I had a lifelong dream of becoming a politician but because I cared deeply about this community. I wanted to challenge myself, step outside my comfort zone, and have a voice at the table that reflected a perspective I didn’t often see: a working mom, raising two young kids, with retired parents in the community, balancing career, family, and community life all at once.

That perspective mattered to me. And I believe it resonated with many of you.

I came into this role with a genuine heart and a willingness to learn. And learn I did. I asked a lot of questions. I attended conferences. I said yes to training, education, and every opportunity to grow into this role. I listened and responded to residents who reached out. I answered the emails even when they were hard. I brought forward concerns that needed to be heard. I sat on committees, showed up, and worked hard.

Over the last three and a half years, I’ve seen what local government really looks like.

There have been moments I’m incredibly proud of and things we’ve accomplished as a council that will have a lasting impact on Kingsville. And there have been many hard decisions. The kind that weigh on you. The kind that remind you that leadership isn’t always about being liked, but about doing what you believe is right, even when it’s difficult.

I’ve also learned something else along the way.

No matter who sits in these seats, there will always be noise. Social media has created a space where it’s easy to criticize, quick to judge, and even quicker to believe a headline without seeking the full picture. Council and administration are often on the receiving end of that.

Some of what I’ve experienced in this role has been uncalled for—at times, even unfathomable. It would have been easy to step away and decide it wasn’t worth it. But if I did that, then the noise wins. And more importantly, what message does that send to my kids? That online bullying, fear-mongering, and untruths are what prevail?

That’s not the example I want to set.  So I haven’t shied away from it and I won’t.

I want to continue doing good work, being a good human, and showing up for this community the way I always have: with a smile, a love for life, and a strong work ethic—balanced with just enough fear, confidence, and curiosity to keep growing.

I’ve had the hard conversations and I’ll continue to have them.  Because this role matters.  And I believe there is still more I can do.  If given the opportunity to serve another term, I want to be intentional about where I focus my energy.

For me, that’s our youth.

It’s where my passion lies, where my career is rooted and it’s where I believe we have real opportunity. I don’t think we listen to young people enough. I don’t think we engage them in meaningful ways or equip them with the tools they need to become confident, active citizens in their community.

We’ve started that work with the Mayor’s Youth Advisory, and I want to build on it. I want to help create something impactful, something that gives young people a voice, develops their skills, and makes them feel like they truly belong in shaping the future of Kingsville.

I also want to continue being part of the important decisions ahead, like the future of our school properties, our recreation facilities, our downtown and our waterfronts and ensure we keep moving forward in a way that reflects the needs of our entire community.

Because whether you were born here, raised here, left and came back, or found your way here … this is our community.  And we all have a role to play in it.

After reflecting on the past four years—the growth, the challenges, the lessons, and the opportunities—I’ve made my decision.

I will be running for re-election in 2026.

I’m proud of the work that’s been done.
I’m grateful for the trust that’s been placed in me.
And I’m ready to continue showing up, with honesty, with heart, and with a commitment to doing the work.

Let’s keep building something good here.