I moved to Fullerton when I was two years old, a city my parents chose because they wanted to raise their children in a safe community with a good school system.  Like most parents, they understood the importance of giving us a solid foundation.

As the first member of my family to graduate from college, I was able to follow my dream of becoming a teacher.  I was fortunate to attend Fullerton College, UCLA and Cal State Fullerton at a time when public higher education was still affordable in California. Now, as a mother of four, with two college graduates and two right behind, I've seen firsthand how dramatically things have changed. What I was able to do — put myself through school without the burden of massive debt — seems no longer possible in California. We cannot build a brighter future if college costs keep higher education out of reach for so many.
 
My parents taught me never to squander my opportunities or my resources, and their advice has served me well. Our state needs that same kind of fiscal discipline. We need leaders who understand the impacts of their decisions on the people they represent. That’s why I’m running for State Assembly.
 
My whole life has been spent here in the 65th Assembly District. I chose to raise my own family in Fullerton and have taught for more than 25 years in local schools. It was my work as a liaison between the school district and the community that inspired me to run for Fullerton City Council eight years ago.  I understand how critical it is for the state to be a partner with local communities. Since I joined the City Council, I have been an advocate for transparency, innovative thinking and collaboration. I have enjoyed bipartisan support because I treat people with respect and work to advance important community interests.
 
Now in my second term as mayor, I am proud of the work I have done, both locally and regionally, to address critical issues. Even during these difficult financial times, Fullerton has a balanced budget and a 10% reserve.  I've assumed leadership roles through the Southern California Association of Governments and I helped to develop the Sustainable Communities Strategy as a blueprint for better planning throughout the state. At my core, I am a problem solver. I’m not afraid to take on tough issues, and I’m not reluctant to work across party lines, forging strategic alliances to get things done.
 
Californians are disillusioned by the political games being played in our State Capitol. I’m not a career politician. I’m a “hands-on” leader who understands the challenges working families face throughout our state. It’s time to jump-start California’s economy, invest in our people and ensure that the infrastructure necessary to support our communities is maintained and enhanced.
 
When I go to Sacramento, I’ll be doing what I’ve always done — meeting challenges head-on and working to find solutions. We need leaders who live in the real world, who are motivated to solve tough problems and who will help to build a better future.  As your representative in the State Assembly, I will work every day to restore the promise of California as the "Golden State" for your family, my family and for all the people of California.