Editor’s Note: Behind the Dais is a Q&A-style feature focusing on elected officials. This feature was coordinated by James Robinson.

Q: What initially inspired you to run for your position, and what keeps you motivated to serve in your role?  

A: Inspiration? Easy. Initially, I worked on Richard Wojt’s first County Commissioner campaign in 1990 shortly after graduating from High School. Richard was my Chimacum High School science teacher and after high school we stayed in touch. I walked alongside him as he knocked on doors and heard him talk about why he wanted to serve as commissioner. It was overhearing those conversations that initially sparked the idea of pursuing public service in the future. 

Now, as I begin my second term as Commissioner, it’s you, the residents of Jefferson County, my community, that keeps me motivated to serve. I love hearing from diverse voices when issues come before us and to work to find balance with competing demands. With a term under my belt, I feel equipped with the knowledge as to how the county works and the right relationships, to navigate to solutions when ideas or impediments are brought to us on diverse issues from county roads to public health to solid waste to drainage issues with Chimacum Creek. And those are just a few of the issues we are asked to tackle, each of your County Commissioners sits on over 20 committees, representing the interests of Jefferson County residents at the local, state and federal levels. It’s a lot to juggle!

Q:  What do you see as a strength of the Jefferson County community? 

A: Our creativity and can do attitude. Since my family moved here in 1981, I’ve been aware that our community knows how to ‘cut trails’. I grew up commercial fishing on a 48-foot wooden troller so was exposed early to the pioneers of the marine trades in Jefferson County in the boat yard, Point Hudson and at the boat school. Their ingenuity spilled into the streets literally, and with spirit, from the Kinetic Sculpture race to the Rhody Parade. 

I can’t think of a person or effort more emblematic of this creativity and attitude than sculptor Tom Jay and his Riverdog Fine Arts Guild and casting studio in Chimacum, which he started in 1969 and ran until 1997. Bronze casting is some of the hardest work and Tom led the way for so many who followed in his footsteps including my husband, David. Ingenuity has continued with Chimacum experiencing a “farming renaissance,” marked by a resurgence of local food businesses and agriculture over the past 20 years - from Red Dog Farm, to Finnriver and the Port of Port Townsend’s recent acquisition of the Short Farm. This includes a growing community interest in local farming and a focus on protecting farmland. Next up? A local sustainable wood economy led by the Jefferson Timber Cooperative.

Q: What is the county’s most significant challenge, and how do you plan to help address it?  

A: Workforce housing. Our economies in Jefferson County demand housing for workers in agriculture, the marine trades and the service industry - not to mention our beloved fine artists - and other trades. While these economies are thriving, workers in them struggle to find adequate housing where they can put down roots and make a home. 

When the Phase 1 sewer boundary was drawn for Port Hadlock, I immediately recognized opportunities for workforce housing. The airstrip by the library was ripe for a plan to help meet this need - so, I suggested the idea to leaders at the Jefferson Community Foundation and then Habitat for Humanity. ‘If only we could?!’ And the community, led by Habitat, has shown up in spades to rise to this occasion. I don’t plan to stop keeping my eyes open for opportunities and asking the right people the right questions. We should ALL be leaning in on this issue if we value this community we call home.

Q: What is your favorite way to spend a weekend in Jefferson County? 

A: Short answer here. Spring and Summer — working in our gardens, on our land — and crabbing with my family. Fall and Winter — putting up food and cooking.

Q: How do you describe Jefferson County to out-of-towners? 

A: Home, my community. Depending on who I am talking to, I always tell some version of the story I shared above about the pioneers in our community and how they inspire me every day. I am also always full of recommendations of where to go that include the trails around Tamanowas Rock, our State Parks, Chimacum Creek,  Marrowstone Island, the Farmers Market, all of our farms, favorite restaurants, the Art and History Museum, the Rose Theater, the Chimacum Corner Farmstand — where I had my best job title ever: Forager — Aldrich’s, where I had my first job scooping cookie dough at Sally’s Catering and so many more. Honestly, one of my favorite things to do is to share our communities with visitors.