OCCUPATIONAL BACKGROUND:

School Librarian

America Studies Teacher

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:

B.A. degree, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Post graduate studies, Wake Forest

PRIOR GOVERNMENTAL EXPERIENCE:

Salem Public Library Advisory Board

City of Salem, Budget Committee

Five years ago, having enjoyed visits in Oregon, I began to search for a home in this state. Attracted to Salem because I had read that it had a library nationally recognized for its quality, I came here to find out what else the city offered. I had only to see the attractive, historic downtown and discover an apartment with a view across the beautiful Willamette to be convinced this was the place for me.

My first volunteer job was in the Salem Public Library. A few months later, I was offered the opportunity to research local history and write for the Library’s Salemhistory website. Three years ago, I was appointed to the Library Advisory Board.

At a recent neighborhood meeting, it was suggested that I apply to fill out a one-year vacancy on the City Council’s Budget Committee. I now represent Ward One and am grateful for what this experience is teaching me about citywide concerns. I hope to help make Salem an even more livable community, one that continues to be socially and fiscally responsible.

As a researcher and writer for “Historic Marion”, I have become aware that many treasures of Salem’s heritage are not being given the attention they deserve. I am now creating an informational web site, Salem Bridge Historical Quarterly, to encourage both visitors and fellow citizens to visit and support our many historical sites.

As always, my civic activities remain centered in the Salem Public Library. A lifetime of library use, both privately and professionally, has taught me that a library is truly the heart of a democratic society. I will continue to support our library and hope assist this institution in its vital service to Salem, my hometown.

(This information furnished by Virginia Green