Once people see me and listen to me and see how my decisions go then they'll get a better feeling that I am more independent and can go to both sides.

And what that translates into is the public distrust of decisions or lack of respect.

I want people to view me as open-minded, respectful of people's opinions, approachable.

That's the way some people are perceiving it, and I think it's unfortunate. I'm a very independent person, and I've been saying from day one that change is necessary.

I just do it a little differently, I think you build from our strengths.

Given that this was the only race, I thought the turnout was actually fairly good. And I was very happy for support across the whole district. I heard, again and again, that the needs of children are the issue.