My family & I moved to the Bitterroot Valley in 1957. I graduated from Hamilton High School in 1972. In 1975, I married Kevin Donovan, a career Air Force Officer. For the next 20 years, our family traveled across the United States and Europe, returning to the Bitterroot every year.

In 1990, I moved back permanently to the Bitterroot. By then, I was a single mother with three sons. In 1994, two of my sons became disabled. By establishing a cooperative team of six nurses, I developed a system around my sons' disabilities that would allow them to live life fully. My career as a realtor began at this time.

I have held a private pilot's license for 29 years. Both Republican and Democratic governors have appointed me to labor and advocacy boards. As the originator of a national network of independent businesswomen, I have learned team building, management and leadership skills.

Now that the Valley has been struck by development, we need to think about what is happening to the wonderful life we have here. We must move quickly to save it from becoming just another place instead of the last best place.

As your County Commissioner, I can help make that happen.