In Money Magazine’s “List of Best Places to Live 2020,” our township was described as being “A great choice for families looking for an affordable neighborhood with safe streets and good schools.” You and I already knew what readers of the magazine were finding out for the first time. In Ross Township, we enjoy a wonderful mix of desirable residential neighborhoods, a stellar school system, numerous shopping corridors, and modern park facilities on a daily basis. Balancing these key aspects of our community when future improvements are being considered is paramount in keeping the harmony and desirable living conditions Money Magazine recognized.

 

My daughter, Vanessa, played softball for several years on our township’s athletic fields, so I am aware of our community’s passion for the upkeep and improvements to our parks. Our youngsters benefit greatly from the fields, programs, and volunteers that make it all possible and all efforts should be made to continue these invaluable activities. Community spirit comes together in the parks of Ross Township and I am dedicated to making sure it continues for many more generations.

 

I’ve had a successful career working in corporate sales and marketing, as well as, engaging in sales analytics for 36 years, so I fully comprehend the value of attracting new business revenues to Ross Township. Innovation, determination, and communication are three words to describe me and my outlook on improving Ross Township. I feel there are numerous commercial real estate properties currently available to accommodate new business ventures in our township, without disturbing the tranquility and lifestyles of long-time residents. The parcel where a Sam’s Club once stood along McKnight Road is an excellent example. Prime real estate with little benefit to the township needs to be addressed, and with a slightly different approach with the appropriate business owners, a win for Ross Township is possible. With years of experience interacting with business entities on all levels of management, I am willing to pursue such inquiries with Sam’s Club property managers and other corporate decision makers.  

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Adding business revenues after the COVID-19 pandemic closed many businesses is crucial to our township, but there MUST be a balance between the benefits of new business construction in Ross Township, and the cost to those residents directly affected by those changes. Change is necessary, but disruption and discord is not. Transparency and sharing of information is crucial in establishing trust between government and its residents.

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I am a social person and enjoy sharing pleasantries with my dear neighbors on my daily walks with my dog Tucker, so it was easy for me to rally residents via email lists, social media, and making calls when new construction plans came to our neighborhood. Corbett Investors became new owners of the Northway Mall and Northway Elementary parcels, which is across the street from our neighborhood. I found it necessary to make township officials aware of our perspective, so I educated myself on the proposed project; researching specifics including township codes and Corbett’s requests for variances. I shared the information with neighbors and surrounding communities and we filled the room at township meetings when Corbett plans were being discussed. When Corbett wanted to reduce the size of buffer yards, my neighbors and I fought them. My own passion drove my efforts in making my neighbors aware of the effect we could have on township decisions, and in the process, I became a leader.

 

When Ross Township had approved BJ’s Warehouse, I was onboard, but I fought for more greenery, taller trees, and noise buffers. When virtual meetings took place during the pandemic, I was there, speaking up for my neighborhood. I have been told that I have been carrying on the role of a commissioner for years without realizing it. Now, I am ready, willing, and able to officially wear the title and elevate your voices among Ross Township authorities. A long-time Ross Township resident is who I am, and helping neighbors is what I do.

 

If I am your commissioner, I want you to feel confident in sharing your passionate concerns about Ross Township with me because I will be sure your voices are known to our local government.

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