Background: Attorney; nonprofit organizer.

Why I got into public service: When I was young, my mother suddenly became a flat-broke single mother of three sons. She worked hard for us and we pulled together. When I began thinking about a career, I realized after what we had gone through that I wanted to help others and especially to help children in tough circumstances to have the chance to grow, to be safe, and to dream.

Top Issue: Balancing responsible economic growth with preserving open space and a high quality of life, and promoting ethics in local government.

#1 Rule of Politics: Listen more than you talk.

First Job: Clearing trails at a local nature center.