On March 8, 2005 a special general election will be held to fill the vacant seat of former State Rep. Johnny Ford, who resigned his seat after winning the race for Mayor of Tuskegee in 2004. I recently won the Democratic Primary Runoff in January and am now on the ballot as the Democratic Nominee for House District 82. I have been so humbled thus far by the diverse support and kind words of encouragement I have received from so many of you.

House District 82 encompasses parts of Lee and Bullock Counties and all of Macon County. House District 82 is a racially, geographically and economically diverse district. It includes the booming growth of Auburn/Loachapoka and the lack of new opportunity in Macon County and Bullock. It includes rural farms, sprawling subdivisions, and the district's newest industry, Halla Climate Systems of Alabama in my home town of Shorter.

Our district and state are blessed with many talented people and outstanding resources. I am ready to meet with you and solicit your support in a collaborative effort for all our citizens to reach their potential. I ask you to strongly consider supporting my candidacy and casting your vote for me on March 8th. Thank you and God Bless You.


· Be a responsive representative that returns calls, answers mail and listens carefully to all opinions before voting at the Statehouse in Montgomery. I plan to circulate in all communities and neighborhoods in the district frequently during my term of office and listen to your voice.

· Be a team player with other members of our large, local legislative delegation - both democrats and republicans. I will always include local elected officials, community, business, educational, economic development and neighborhood leaders in all my decision making process.

· Educational funding and accountability are paramount. Good schools and universities are our best economic development resources. I plan to fully support efforts by our K-12, Southern Union and Southern Community Colleges, Auburn and Tuskegee University as they play key roles in research and economic outreach. I fully support the development of Auburn's new Research Park! My life's work has been in professional educational student service areas. Rising tuition and living expenses continue to strain students and parents alike. I will pledge to work on this issue in Montgomery!

· East Alabama is blessed to have an outstanding regional medical center in Opelika. Many great health care professionals reside in the 82nd district. However, too many of our citizens lack affordable health care and in Macon and Bullock Counties - need ambulatory and home health care. I am proud of our new health care clinic in Macon County and will make good, affordable, accessible health care a priority in the Alabama Legislature.

· Small business owners and local farmers play a key role in our district and I will be their advocate. Agriculture and agricultural research are vital to the economy of the 82nd district as are extension services. Support of our agricultural research stations are vital! The technology parks in Auburn and Shorter are now home to some of the world's leading manufacturers. I pledge my support to them, their customers and in the recruitment, growth and retention of local high wage jobs.

· Law enforcement will be a top priority. My husband's career and current occupation have prepared me for this special role. From domestic violence to drug abuse and emergency response - no one in the Alabama Legislature will have a heart for action any more than me on this subject.

· We must exercise fiscal discipline in state government all while encouraging new ways for government to meet the growing needs of education and general fund services. I will stop the accounting shell games that deprive our young people of necessary educational funding and place state employees in Corrections and Public Safety in harms way. Constitutional and Tax Reform must take place in Alabama and I fully support these reforms.

· Single working moms, college students (my current position is Director of Student Services at Alabama Post Secondary Education), children, teachers and seniors will always have a special voice with me in Montgomery as well as our vets, and retirees.

Please contact me prior to March 8th and let me know what is on your mind!