You have a long history of public service. Where does your inspiration come from?
My grandparents were public servants and elected officials within the Nationalist government in China during the 1920s, 30s and 40s. Having fled the mainland during the communist takeover, my parents appreciated being welcomed to the United States, essentially as war refugees. So, I’m from an immigrant family with a history of public service and a special appreciation for the freedom and opportunity we enjoy in this country.
What superhero power do you wish you had as a parent?
Dr. Strange had the ability to turn back time to re-do moments. There are many moments with my teenager where I have tried to relay some life lesson by recounting my own experience. Often, this is something he can only really learn through direct experience. So, if I had Dr. Stange’s time rewind power, I could go back and tell myself to just stay quiet and wait for the teachable moment to happen and then, process it together. Time rewind would also be really nice to be able to go back and relive Hallmark moments with my kid when I need some warm fuzzies.
How are kids today different than when you were a kid?
I grew up in the 70s when kids were minimally supervised, monitored and scheduled by their parents. I guess that was kind of like the “free range” parenting of today. I don’t think it was a deliberate strategy; they just didn’t have the time or the societal expectations to hover over their children. Growing up wired, constantly connected to devices and social media is different, as well.
What is one parenting skill you use regularly in public office?
When my son was young, I learned about steering him in certain directions by offering him two or three very concrete options rather than leaving things wide open. While the options were genuinely different, they would all be acceptable to me and likely moved a whole range of unacceptable possibilities off the table. I sometimes use this strategy when I am trying to frame a policy choice. People like choices and feel empowered by them, and I get to leave unacceptable options off the table. (What is the public policy equivalent of leaving “mac and cheese for dinner again” off the table?)
What do you think the next generation has in store for us?
The next generation is full of bright, caring people who are busily learning how the world works and how to have an impact. I think many have a great vision for the future. If a critical mass can learn how to make real change and all row in the same direction, they’ll make the world a more just, equitable and sustainable place.
How has being a parent shaped your perspective about the importance of county government to families?
The County is an extremely important health and human services agency for our community, especially for marginalized or vulnerable families. We offer pre-natal and perinatal support services for mothers and families, as well as managing the Women Infant Children program to ensure that families with young children have access to healthy, nutritious foods. We partner with school districts on prevention programs to reduce youth substance abuse, suicidal ideation, bullying and teen pregnancy. We work to ensure there is adequate psychiatric care for youth in the community. Being a parent adds urgency to my policy goals of ensuring that all families have adequate nutrition, healthy school environments and sufficient behavioral health supports.
This article appears in BendNest Spring 2025.
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