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Full Biography for Peace J. GardinerCandidate for |
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Background I grew up in Southern California, at the first chance Ihad I got out and came up to Humboldt County. I've lived here since 1989. I've been interested in politics since I was quite young but I never really thought of participating until a few years ago. I met my husband while attending Humboldt State and he asked me to stick around after graduation since he still had another year. I did and after he graduated became engaged, and then later married. Job History I have worked since I was quite young, my fatherinstilled quite a strong work ethic me. He used to take my sister and I to work with him in the grocery store he managed, where we did everything from serve hot dogs to bagging groceries. I worked all through high school and college in a variety of retail sales positions. I have also worked in credit, child care, medical insurance, office assistant, medical lab, copy editor and probably a few others I can't remember. My last paying job was as a lab assistant at Mad River Community Hospital. Experience After serving a term on the county's civil Grand Jury,I felt I had learned quite a bit about local governments. I felt I could make a difference, and that my investigative skills learned while on the Grand Jury would help any political future. During my second term on the jury I was appointed Foreman Pro-Tem and enjoyed quite a bit of responsibility. Appointment to the Blue Lake City Council When an opening came up on the city Planning CommissionI applied and was turned down. Soon after the council opening came up and I was one of only two applicants for the spot. So, in November of 1996 I was appointed to the Blue Lake City Council. Less than a week after being appointed I discovered I was pregnant-so it was quite a week! My Time on the City Council During my time on the council I have learned a lotabout how our little city operates, and I have also had the opportunity to meet many of our citizens. I have really enjoyed all of my time on the council. I am the council's representative to the Water Quality Task Force where I learned more about clarifying water and the engineering of our water system than I ever thought possible. I helped in the council review of the new city personnel manual, and I helped renegotiate the contract for the City Manager. I am also currently working on refurbishing the Tot Lot and Perigot Park. My commitment to the city is second only to my familyand I have never been paid a dime from city coffers. I have also never missed a meeting, not even when I had my baby. Other important community involvements My husband and I have been active in the Visioningprocess put together by citizens and the Arcata Economic Development Corporation. As a member of the Downtown Revitalization Committee, I have helped plan for the future of Blue Lake's downtown businesses. My husband and I have both been long time supporters ofthe Blue Lake Library, both by contributing time and money to the Friends of the Blue Lake Library. My husband now serves on the Board as well as contributing his time to work at the library so that we have more open hours at our little branch. I have served on the Board of Directors of the Food forPeople food bank in Eureka for several years. One of the largest food banks in the county, it handles the program to deliver monthly groceries to low income seniors in Blue Lake. Through one of their newer programs the Blue Lake Summer Youth Program was able to provide free lunches to both programs participants and any kids who came by for lunch. I volunteered for many years as a Big Sister for thePAIR program through Northcoast Big Brothers/Big Sisters. The PAIR program matches teen mothers with a Big Sister to help them through the troubles of adolescence and parenting. I am still in contact with my first Little Sister who is now the married mother of two in Eureka. We were matched back in 1993, and later I was mat |
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