Senate District 6 represents cities, businesses, and families whose perspective needs to be in the room before a bill becomes law. Decisions made by our legislators land directly on our cities, and that changes daily life for our residents: water, streets, public safety, housing, and schools. A good idea on the Hill can carry a large fiscal impact to residents. I have seen that from the mayor’s office, when a proposal that sounded right put real pressure on a city budget and on the people who have to live with the result. I want my experience in that discussion before the vote, while there is still time to fix the bill, not after the city is stuck with it. That is why I am seeking this seat.

2. What unique qualities, attributes, skills, and experiences do you possess that make you the best candidate in this race?

I am in my fifth year serving as mayor. I’m a wife of 36 years, a Mom of 2 and a Nana to our three grandchildren. I serve on multiple boards and committees across the state, and I’ve built businesses. I’m a conservative who loves the Constitution and is grateful every day to be an American Citizen. I”m a consensus builder and a listener. As a Senator I will work hard to ensure the laws that are passed make sense when a city, a small business, and a family have to live with them.

3. Please explain your priorities if elected, as well as why you believe you are uniquely capable of achieving those priorities.

Growth, housing, water, and transparency are on every candidate’s list. The difference is I’ve spent almost a decade as a leader in my city managing all these priorities.

On growth and housing, As an elected official, with my council we have managed growth within our city. Rooftops alone don’t solve challenges with affordability or growth.

On transparency, I mean a public vote before public money moves. As a planning commissioner, council member and now as Mayor I’ve worked diligently to increase communication and rebuild trust between our residents and city hall. Transparency is essential for good governance and decision making.

4. Please describe how you view the importance of compromise in politics and provide an example from your own experiences that highlights your perspective.

Compromise keeps a bill’s purpose and removes what does not work. It is not the abandonment of a position, or principles.

A microschool bill was sound in intent. As written, it allowed a large program at the end of a residential cul-de-sac. I called my house representative. She opened a bill file and worked with us to get the bill amended. The Credit belongs to the colleagues who help get it done.

5. How will you balance the views of the vocal public, your political party, and your own understanding and knowledge as an elected representative?

When the district, my party, and my conscience point the same way, the vote is easy. They usually do. I am a Republican because I share the party’s direction: limited government, low taxes, public safety, parental authority, and local control. I will work with my caucus and vote with it on that agenda.

A conflict is the exception, not the plan. When it happens, I will not treat a platform line or a loud group as a finding of fact. I will look at what the bill does to the cities, families, and small businesses in Senate District 6. If the aim is right and the method fails on a city street or a family budget, I will work inside the caucus to fix it before the vote.

Conscience is the last check. I will not cast a vote I cannot defend to the people who sent me.

6. What is the best way for readers to contact you and/or get more information about your platform?

I would be honored and grateful to receive your vote.

vote4tami.com, vote4tami@gmail.com, or 801-499-2379.