I am a personal support worker for my own adult daughter who has a significant disability. I have been a union member since 2013 and have attended local union meetings for caregivers since then. I was twice voted a delegate to General Council. I participated in rallies in Salem, met with state representatives about Union issues and participated in a group meeting with the governor on two occasions. I am seeking office to be able to bring forth the concerns from local caregivers, especially those in rural areas whose access to resources tend to be limited. My goals are to continue to raise pay for qualified and experienced workers and ensure they have accessible and sufficient training to do their job. I want to ensure these providers are looked upon and respected as professionals. All workers deserve to have their voices heard and our union has been a great advocate for state workers. However, these workers still tend to get left behind when the going gets tough. I believe the single biggest issue in this term of office is the shrinking revenue in the state due to the Covid 19 pandemic. I think the best way to resolve this is to encourage union members to be strong and arm them with information so that they can articulate the value they bring to the table to their representatives. The anti-union groups will take advantage of the situation and undermine our Union’s efforts. We cannot allow them to move us backwards. Workers efforts are a boon to the economy and help ensure a healthy population. I am thankful for a strong (but not too strong) Union that includes compassion and fairness to the process and want to ensure this continues. I have served as a city councilor for the City of Metolius for a total of eight years, serving in two different terms. Through this and other life experiences I understand the process of boards of directors and the importance of finding common ground to move an organization forward. I would be immensely proud to represent the east side to the SEIU Local 503 process.