As the only woman currently serving on the council, I am able to provide a different perspective than my male counterparts.

Charleston is very fortunate to have a significant number of working artists located in the community. We strive to be philanthropic, donating our art to numerous local charity events, and many of us open our studios and provide demonstrations to youth groups.

Certainly, we have come a long way since 1913, the year Illinois women won the right to vote in municipal elections. But as with all things, there is always room for improvement and growth.

The campaign season prior to the April 2005 election was somewhat volatile, with the University Village Housing project as the dominate point of the contention. I feel that my position against the proposal was validated by the election results.

I voiced concern about a local environmental issue. I was dissatisfied by the response and actions taken by City of Charleston officials in regards to my complaint.

I'm an assertive person who happens to be female. I think you have to be assertive to run for political office.