Background: mayor; councilmember; business executive.

Why I got into public service: When I graduated from college, got married, and began a career in the telecommunications business, I was frustrated to learn that I could barely afford to live in the community in which I had grown up due to the lack of affordable housing. That frustration-- and the values of hard work and service that my parents had instilled in me-- led me to run for public office.

Top Issue: Traffic congestion. If left unaddressed, gridlock in the Washington Metro region will undermine other priorities like quality education, economic development, and homeland security.

Guiding Value: I'm a practical progressive. I believe that government can and should help people, but I also believe that government should not try to solve every problem society faces. I make decisions everyday based on what is right for my community and what is in the best interests of our taxpayers.

First Job: Summer camp counselor.