Plymouth County Democrats, 2/3/2017 Edition 1, Volume 2
Tell me about your family:
I have four children, twelve grand-children, and seven great-grand-children.
Tell me about your hobbies or interests, past or present:
I love to go camping. For years my husband and I camped at Correctionville and Scenic Park. Now we have a camper at Camp Boji at the lakes and try to spend as much time there as possible during the summer. I am a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and a member of the Iowa Voters for Companion Animals group. For several years I volunteered at the soup kitchen in Sioux City.
Tell me about your educational and occupational history:
I graduated from Kingsley High School and attended Westmar College for one year. I worked at Northwestern Bell for a year as a long distance operator then held a few other jobs after getting married. I worked for Senator Tom Harkin for over 20 years.
Tell me about your involvement with the Democratic Party:
I started as a volunteer with Senator Tom Harkin’s office in 1986 and then was hired on as staff after a year. As I said, I worked for the Senator for over 20 years. I was a member of the Woodbury County Democratic Central Committee for many years and served as secretary for over 10 years. I am currently a member of the Plymouth County Central Committee.
Tell me about any awards or commendations you’ve received:
Last year I was honored to receive the activist award from the DAWN’S List group. I received 10-year and 20-year awards from the US Senate for my years on Senator Harkin’s staff. Upon my retirement I received recognition from Governor Chet Culver, the City of Sioux City, the Iowa House and Iowa Senate.
Tell me something not many people know about you:
I lived on an acreage for 20 years and learned to vaccinate cows and sheep.
Tell me what you’re most proud of: I am most proud of my children, who have always been supportive of me in the choices I have made regarding my personal life and my work with Senator Harkin. I’m also very proud of the work I did for the Senator and in being able to help constituents who were confronting difficult issues.
Who is your biggest hero, past or present?
My biggest hero is Senator Harkin. He fought for all the right causes and was very effective in his work. His constituent work was his highest priority, and I am proud to have been a part of that.
How long have you been active in your favorite causes and/or community in Iowa?
Probably active for over 40 years.
Were there any significant hurdles or fears you had to face over the years?
One hurdle was learning how a Senate office works and learning to deal with agencies to help constituents. Dealing with threatening people coming to the office was a definite fear, but I did it and learned a lot about dealing with various personalities.
Tell me your favorite quote:
My favorite quote is “There are those who look at things the way they are and ask why…. I dream of things that never were and ask why not?”
– Bobby Kennedy