One of my most proud achievements as City Councilwoman of Orem is that I was voted Best of State Elected Official in 2024.  I am extremely proud of winning this award, but not for the reasons you might think.

When I was first elected, my goal was to be the hardest working member of the City Council.  Although being on the City Council is a part time job, I was lucky enough to have the ability to devote my full time and attention to my responsibilities.  I wanted to do more than just attend the city council meetings and ribbon cuttings.  I wanted to make a real difference.  So I got to work.  I learned the City workings inside and out.  I got to know and work with city employees in all of the various city departments.  I knew if I did that, I would be better prepared to make a real difference for the city and to get things done.

I met the workers in the public works, parks, library, police and fire departments, just to name a few.  I attended their various events as much as my schedule would allow.  Meeting and getting to know all the various city employees gave me the ability to become a better advocate for citizens at the city.  When Orem citizens came to me with problems, and many did, I knew who in the city I should work with to help them get their problems solved.  My work with all the all the various city departments made me a valuable tool for the citizens.  I was glad I was able to help so many, even though my work was mostly behind the scenes.

In May of 2024, I found out that I had been voted Best of State Elected official.  It was a complete surprise to me, because I didn’t even know I had been nominated.  I later learned that some of the Orem City Staff, who had seen my hard work and determination behind the scenes, had appreciated all I was doing and decided to nominate me for the award.

That is why this award is so special to me.  Not because I wanted the ego boost of winning an award, but because my hard work had been recognized by others.  I am proud that I have earned the support and respect of the Orem city staff.  It makes me a much more effective City Councilwoman.