The Des Moines Pool Metropolitan Park District continues to improve the Mt. Rainier Pool – a treasured part of our community for over 40 years. As a Commissioner since 2010, I am pleased to have been a part of the effort to develop a plan for its future that is data-driven, responsive to community and partner input, sustainable, and makes responsible use of your tax dollars.

I’ve lived in Des Moines since 1984. I enjoy our waterfront location and atmosphere that makes our city unique. I am dedicated to applying the skills and experience from my 30-year career in human resources to making our community a better place. Together, we can ensure that our pool – one of our great public assets – will be maintained, improved, and accessible to all residents to enhance their health and well-being for year to come. With your vote, we can make a difference.

In 2009, I insisted during the campaign to Save Mount Rainier Pool that we sugarcoat nothing. Taxpayers deserve the facts. Voters responded and we saved swimming. As a commissioner for five years I remained committed to being honest with the taxpayers. I resigned from the board to focus on getting more kids in the pool. I secured a $25,000 grant to help low income kids learn to swim and to assure a steady supply of lifeguards who reflect the changing demographics of our community. That effort was killed as the current board undertakes three huge projects simultaneously: renovating the pool; changing the management model; and an aquatics feasibility study. Each project has problems, so they’ve hired a communications firm to “craft their message.” Costs are skyrocketing but they don’t want taxpayers to know it. Return me to the pool board and we’ll restore transparency and concentrate on keeping swimming sustainable.