Are you enjoying being a mayor? I get asked this question all the time by my friends and family… and well, people that just stop me in the street, grocery store, restaurant, wherever I go. I always smile and say “I am.” And that is the truth. Is it easy? No… but I knew that when I made the decision to run. And… not everything is going to go smoothly or as well as I’d like. I recognize that. I am the kind of person that loves meeting people, learning about what they do and listening to what they’d like to see in our community. I’ve always enjoying working on issues and making things happen, and this job gives me a unique role in that. I’m aware that many individuals think I have more control than I do, but I plan to give it a go to the best of my abilities for the five years that I have been honored to have.

Any surprises? A few. I didn’t realize that there would be so many requests to speak. I try to do as many as I can. I believe a key part of my role is to represent Moorhead, and a key goal for me is to enhance communication within our city. Early on, I considered (and haven’t ruled out) joining a Toastmaster group… I just wasn’t sure where I would fit it in my schedule. What I wasn’t surprised by is how gracious, kind and fabulous, Moorhead residents are. Next time you see me; don’t hesitate to say ‘hi’.