A.C.T. UP with Harp!
Twenty two years ago as a young woman from Wisconsin I moved here on a whim with a dream of teaching art to young people. Reality set in, bills needed paying, and so I adapted and became a bond broker of all things. Learning a tough lesson when the dot com bubble burst early enough in my career, I transitioned into the role of a financial planner where I specifically sought out ideas that ran counter to the conventional wisdom that negatively affected so many middle class Americans. To this day, I apply that approach to searching for other viewpoints so I can make balanced recommendations for my clients by weighing the pros and cons of various products and features for a fair cost. Nowadays most of my time at VALIC Financial Advisors is spent teaching personal finance across the different generations.
A – Affordable Housing
Affordable housing is in high demand here in Missoula. Living wages and a skilled labor force go hand in hand with ensuring we have housing stock that is within a person’s means. Currently, our Department of Housing is analyzing data they have collected over the last year. I look forward to their recommended policy tools that encourage good development reflecting our City’s Growth Policy.
C – Climate Change is Real.
Our young people believe this with all their heart. This is a case where we would be wise to learn from children, as we want to leave the world in better shape than we found it. By and large, the Missoulians I have spoken with want to play a part in restoring order to our environment and are ready to act and protect our lands, air, and waterways.
T – Transparency in government.
We all know that the local taxes we pay do two things: 1) provide daily services and maintenance performed at an economy of scale we couldn’t afford on our own, and 2) invest in our vision of Missoula for future generations. However, the public feels disconnected from the decisions the City makes. My goal is to show you what you gain with your financial investment in Missoula.
UP – Be an advocate for the Un-Protected.
There is a divide between the protected and unprotected people in our society. If you are educated and accomplished, and are secure financially with good health insurance and benefits, then you are part of the protected class. But if you don’t have all of those attributes, then you are likely to fall into the un-protected class. One mistake can spiral a well-intentioned life downward. I want to give a hand up and make Missoula great for everyone.
