Q: Tell me a little about yourself.
I’m from from Cedar Rapids, IA and worked as a Dental Assistant. My hobbies include politics, PTA, band, being a Show Choir parent, gardening, and watching Oprah.
Q: When did you first become interested in politics?
I cast my first ballot for Reagan in 1984. I remember my parents telling me how to vote, since I had little interest in politics at the time. After that first vote, I realized I really had no information to back up my choices, so I learned how to research my options in the future.
Each election after that, I’ve supported the Democrats. I have attended local DNC meetings and fundraisers, and have volunteered to go door knocking for local, and state elections. In 2008, I was a Hillary Precinct captain, and was twice a state delegate.
My son is currently a freshman in college studying political science. He says I was always talking about politics when he was growing up, so I’ve clearly been passionate about it for a while.
Q: What made you interested in working for PTP?
I decided to join PTP to direct my political knowledge and interest towards those who I could influence. It was exciting for me to take a break from 25 years in the field of dentistry and speak to my local community.
Q: What’s your secret to getting someone to commit to vote?
My best tactic for getting a voter to commit is “kill ’em with kindness”. And what’s more kind than a smile? Or information? Giving a voter important information is a good way to open them up to general conversation about who they may support. Listening for verbal cues of their political slant can usually be indicative of how hard I will need to make my ask.
Q: What has been your most memorable experience as a field rep?
My most memorable encounter working for PTP was when I was canvassing at a low-income housing development. An elementary aged boy started waving and yelling at me from across the central community basketball area, right after I had stuck a “sorry we missed you” note on a townhouse door. As we walked closer to each other, I could make out his words, “that’s my door you put that note on”. I responded, “It’s for your Mom about voting”. By this time we were face to face. The boy, with much relief, said, “oh good, I thought my mom was in trouble with the police, again”. I quickly asked the child if he knew what voting was? This led to a fun group discussion with five other playground kids about voting, fairness, and safe communities. I handed out window clings saying “I’m a Voter” to the young kids, and for the next three hours I spent canvassing their homes and speaking with their parents.
Q: What is the one thing you can’t live without?
The one thing I can’t live without is water. Let’s protect water.
