PAULA GIBBS FOR TRUSTEE
I'm All In For Manhattan. Period.
Manhattan deserves public servants, not politicians.
Throughout my 22 years as a "Manhattanite," I've done what I can, when I can, to make it a better place. From putting on the first ever Manhattan Girl Scout Pinewood Derby, to proactively protecting our neighbors when we opened our shop (if you know, you know)—I've always endeavored to leave things better than I found them. What I've never done is give my time and energy to Manhattan as a whole like this. Shame on me; fixing it now.
Here's the obligatory bullet list for those who don't know me:
- Bought a little house in Manhattan in 2002. Still living here & loving it.
- Raised 3 kids here as a single mom. They started at Kid Country and went through every local school. Pleased to report the result is 3 happy, healthy, productive members of society. Thank you, Manhattan. It did indeed take a village for that outcome.
- UA Local 422/130 Plumber since 2006. Became Foreman, then Superintendent. Currently Valve Tech/Pipefitter at various US nuclear plants.
- Opened Gibbs Custom Gunsmithing with (now husband) Jeffrey in 2015. Tiny footprint, big results. We have Cerakote work in 49 states, 6 Canadian Provinces, the Paris Olympics and yep, outer space! Thanks, Elon.
- Veteran: IL Army National Guard back in the stone age. 95B: Military Police if anyone cares to know.
- Service: Active Girl Scout leader for 7+ years; support Will Co. & IL FOP; Manhattan & New Lenox American Legion; Abraham Lincoln Cemetery Honor Guard; Cangelosi Sparks...more. We do what we can...
Leadership. Integrity. Common Sense
Whatever I do, I give it my all 'cause I'm that Gen X'er who was raised, "Whether you're cleaning toilets or running a country, do your very best." I must be doing something right because wherever I work, I usually end up running the joint. I believe in giving back to a community that has given me so much.
I also believe in integrity 'cause I'm that Gen X'er too. Positions of trust require those in them to conduct themselves with honesty, in the best interests of those in their care, and to resist abusing that trust. It's a little bit sacred. You don't have to take my word for it: I hold security clearance for unescorted access to nuclear plants. My background is thoroughly investigated by a team from the NRC 4 to 6 times per year. I'm drug & alcohol tested; 3 or more people I know are called; employment is verified; all US databases are checked; any incidents caught on camera are automatically matched to me by facial recognition and I'll be questioned about them, whether or not there was a crime or report of any kind. It's a bit creepy but that's another discussion. We've held an FFL for 10 years which requires different background investigations. Even if I wanted to do something sketchy, I'd never get away with it. All of this is WAAAYYY more about myself than I'm comfortable discussing, but the context lends credence to what I'll say next.
The Upshot
I truly believe I can competently help Manhattan navigate the choppy waters we're facing right now. I get working hard, raising kids, running a business, keeping the boat afloat and construction macroeconomics. I'll learn government red tape like I learned everything else, and contribute to common sense solutions (with a little help from my friends, of course. This is an amazing team!) Manhattan's got our work cut out for us in the next few years, and we need to get it done without raising taxes. Our goal: Keep Manhattan as great a place to live your lives & raise a family as it was for us. We can do this!
PS. I solemnly swear to all village residents I will do EVERYTHING in my power to get mailboxes and sidewalks for all. I've learned the mailboxes are actually a federal thing. The sidewalks appear problematic because where I would want one is currently a drainage culvert, so it's more than just dig & pour. I can be creative, and I am a plumber after all. We'll see what we can do. Sidewalks and Mailboxes for The People!