It has been a great honor and a humbling experience to serve you as a trustee for the past four years.
Upon becoming a Trustee, I was promptly given stimulating new challenges by the Board of Trustees! In the initial two meetings, I was chosen without opposition to serve as the Shelby Township Board Liaison for the Shelby Township Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and the Shelby Township Solid Waste and Recycling Committee (SWARC).
In addition to working on new committees, I was invited to speak about my experiences for Women's History Month for Shelby TV’s series – March: Women in History Month. The series interviewed women who work for Shelby Township, including members of the Board of Trustees and the tireless employees at Township Hall. The bulk of my message for Women's History Month was clear: my experience mirrors the women in your life, and is a balance between work and family life. I also touched on how curveballs like COVID-19 remind us to keep adapting and adjusting. Being asked to speak about a monolithic topic as "Women in History" seemed a tall order, but I tried to ensure that I kept my thoughts relevant to the varied experiences of Women who come from all backgrounds across our Township.
Back in January 2021, I was invited to become the Constituents Services Representative for Congresswoman Lisa McClain in the Michigan 10th District Congressional Office. Although I have been in this role for just four months, I find great satisfaction in the important tasks I am carrying out for the people of MI-10. Collaborating with the Community I hold dear brings me joy, and I am fully dedicated to creating a beneficial change for our District on a Federal scale.
Following my departure from the Congressional Office in 2022, I began my employment at an Estate Planning law firm in Troy. Returning to a conventional legal practice has proven to be a fulfilling experience, yet I continue to appreciate the knowledge and viewpoints I gained during my time with Congresswoman McClain.
Our Township revealed the groundbreaking for the water tower in 2022 as a significant project aimed at addressing the increasing water expenses for our residents and the metro-Detroit area. The innovative leadership of our board and township officials drove the decision to pursue this endeavor to ensure long-term cost savings for our community. I am pleased to have backed this initiative, which will bring benefits to our residents and friends.
Furthermore, I take pride in collaborating with a team of devoted trustees who are dedicated to serving this
township and ensuring its residents have access to various services and facilities. Particularly, our newly established library and activities center (STAC), along with enhancements to our current community areas. It has been a privilege to work alongside them and consistently support endeavors that benefit our community at large.
Collaborating with the DDA to offer enjoyable programming for the entire family has been fulfilling. It began with "Christmas A Glow" and has progressed to our latest initiative, "Summerfest," debuting on June 28-29 at the municipal campus.
"Christmas A Glow" has grown from tree lighting to reindeer sightings and Santa visits and so much more. This past December, our township had a first with a drone show following our tree lighting. Colorful pictures lit up our sky accompanied by holiday songs and added another layer to this magical family event. Through the years I have had the opportunity to share this event with my family and friends. It is such a wonderful reminder of our shared values in Shelby Township, and I look forward to this year's "Christmas A Glow."
In the summer, our township traditionally marked the start of the season with family-friendly activities. The "Summer Kick Off" event and fireworks display have always been popular. However, due to the increased development in our area, it is no longer safe to host such a large fireworks show. The limited space available makes it risky to set off fireworks. To address this challenge and continue the beloved patriotic celebration, the DDA and township departments put their heads together and introduced "Summerfest." This two-day event combines the family activities of "Summer Kickoff" with an additional day featuring the Macomb Symphony Orchestra and choir performing patriotic songs alongside a synchronized drone show.
This event exemplifies the essence of Shelby Township. We are a community that is genuinely family-oriented and patriotic, always willing to unite in celebration of our common values. I take pride in collaborating with numerous township employees and trustees to offer such family-friendly initiatives and more.
Aside from these programs, our township is prepared to acknowledge and commemorate those who have served and made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms that define us as Americans. I am honored to work alongside a board that respects the fallen and recognizes the significance of supporting our military families and veterans.
Every year, our township organizes a Memorial Day Remembrance event where we are privileged to welcome several distinguished guest speakers who share their experiences of service and pay tribute to both the local residents who served and the nation as a whole.
Community service is not exclusive to me alone. It is a value deeply ingrained in my family. My husband and sister-in-law are both dedicated to serving our nation, and I consider it a privilege to join in honoring and showing respect to those who have served in uniform, both in the past and present.
I am committed to utilizing my skills and family traditions in a positive manner to serve the residents of Shelby Township consistently.
I look forward to continued growth and exciting new opportunities to continue bringing the best programming to the township and finding creative ways to make the services we provide more efficient and streamlined.
On August 6, 2024, vote DICICCO!
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