Getting to know Missy
Let’s start with you. If we met at a neighborhood barbecue, how would you introduce yourself? Tell us a little about your life, work, family, or interests.
Hi, my name is Missy! I use Kathleen for work or professional environments
I recently retired after 28 years of working in local government, including my last eight years serving as Clerk of the Board for a local water agency. Public service has always been a big part of my life, and retirement hasn't slowed me down!
I'm also the President and a founding member of the Beaumont Banning Pickleball Club, a nonprofit organization focused on bringing people of all ages and skill levels together through recreation, friendship, and community involvement. If I'm not spending time with family or volunteering, there's a good chance you'll find me on the pickleball courts!
I love meeting new people, sharing a few laughs, and finding ways to make our community an even better place to live. I believe in being approachable, treating people with respect, and giving back whenever I can. That's just who I am!
What makes this community feel like home to you?
Since we moved to Beaumont after our children were already adults, it wasn't until we started the Beaumont Banning Pickleball Club that we truly experienced what it means to be part of a community. What began as a shared love for pickleball has grown into something so much more. We've built genuine friendships, we look out for one another, check in on each other, and celebrate life's special moments together. It's become more than just a club; it's an extended family. That sense of connection, friendship, and belonging is what truly makes Beaumont feel like home to us.
What made you decide to run?
When I learned there would be a vacancy in Beaumont City Clerk position, I immediately recognized how closely the responsibilities aligned with my experience as Clerk of the Board for a local water agency. I knew that my background had given me the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to serve in this role, particularly when it comes to public meetings, official records management, transparency and government procedures.
I also recognized an opportunity to bring that direct, relevant experience to the position. While the current City Clerk and I have different professional backgrounds, I believe my firsthand experience performing many of these same duties is something valuable I can offer our community.
Ultimately, I decided to run because I believe in public service, accountability and putting my knowledge and experience to work for the residents of Beaumont.
What are the two biggest things you want to work on, and why those two?
I believe it's important to understand the responsibilities of the position you're seeking. The elected City Clerk's role in Beaumont is primarily administrative and ceremonial, with the Deputy City Clerk and staff handling much of the day-to-day operations.
My first priority would be to faithfully fulfill my responsibilities as City Clerk, including attending City Council meetings, supporting the public meeting process, and ensuring that I represent the office with professionalism and integrity.
My second priority would be to serve as a positive, approachable representative of the City of Beaumont. I enjoy connecting with people, participating in community activities and building relationships. I want residents to feel comfortable approaching their elected officials and to know they are treated with respect.
For me, this position isn't about making big promises or changing how the city operates. It's about understanding the role, respecting the work of city staff and serving our community with pride.
What’s something our community needs that you don’t hear enough people talking about? Why does it deserve more attention, and what would you like to see happen?
While there are certainly issues and needs within our community that deserve attention, I also believe it's important to recognize the responsibilities and limitations of the office I'm seeking. As City Clerk, many of those issues would fall outside the scope of my position.
That being said, I believe community involvement and communication are always important. I'd love to see more residents engaged in local government, attending City Council meetings, asking questions and staying informed about decisions that affect our city.
Although the City Clerk doesn't make policy decisions, I can still be a positive, approachable representative of Beaumont and encourage residents to have their voices heard. Sometimes making a difference starts with simply showing up, listening and being involved.
If you could spend a day doing someone else’s job in our community, whose would you choose—and why?
Without hesitation, I would choose to spend the day as Beaumont's City Manager! I had the privilege of working alongside City Managers for over 12 years, and I loved every minute of it.
City Managers are incredibly busy, constantly engaged and involved in nearly every aspect of city operations. It's a demanding position that requires strong leadership, sound judgment and the ability to balance the needs of an entire community.
What I find most fascinating is that the decisions they make will have a lasting impact on a city and its residents for years to come. Having worked so closely with City Managers, I developed a tremendous appreciation for the responsibilities they carry. I would love the opportunity to experience a day in their shoes and see things from their perspective!
What’s a local issue where you understand why neighbors disagree? Tell us where you stand and how you would work with people who see it differently.
Growth is one of those issues where I can truly understand both sides. Many longtime Beaumont residents are concerned about how much our city has changed and want to preserve the small-town feel they have always loved. On the other hand, many newer residents welcome growth and the additional shopping, dining, services and opportunities that can come with it.
Personally, I believe growth is important to a city's economic development. It can attract businesses, create jobs, and provide more opportunities for residents to shop, dine and spend their money locally. If we don't create those opportunities here, we risk losing businesses and economic activity to neighboring cities.
However, I also believe growth should be thoughtful and balanced, taking into consideration infrastructure, traffic, public services and the concerns of existing residents.
While decisions about development fall outside the responsibilities of the City Clerk, I believe everyone deserves to be heard and treated with respect, even when we disagree. We may not always see eye to eye, but we all share something in common: we care about Beaumont and want to see our community thrive.
Tell us about a time when listening changed your mind.
As President of the Beaumont Banning Pickleball Club, I work closely with our Board of Directors and I can honestly say that listening to others has changed my mind on more than one occasion!
There have been times when I've had an idea or felt strongly about a particular direction, only to hear a different perspective from another board member that made me reconsider. That's one of the things I appreciate most about having a board. We all bring different experiences, opinions and ideas to the table.
I've learned that leadership isn't about always being right or getting your way. It's about listening, being open-minded and remembering that it's not just about me. Our decisions should always be about what's best for the club, our members and the community we serve. Sometimes the best ideas aren't your own, and I'm perfectly okay with that!
Picture the community a few years from now. If your efforts are successful, what would be noticeably better—and what would you want to make sure we preserve?
While I would love to see Beaumont continue to grow and thrive, I also recognize that the City Clerk's role is primarily administrative and doesn't involve making policy decisions that directly shape the city's future.
If my efforts are successful, I would hope residents feel that their City Clerk is approachable, professional and genuinely committed to serving the community. I want to do my part to support transparency, encourage civic involvement and represent our city in a positive manner.
As Beaumont continues to grow, I would love to see us preserve the sense of community, neighborly connections and small-town charm that make our city special. Growth and progress are important, but so is remembering what makes Beaumont feel like home.
How would you stay connected to residents once elected? Where could people reach you, and what should they expect when they bring you a concern or a tough question?
I don't plan on changing who I am just because I hold an elected position! I'll continue being active in the community, participating in local events and spending time with the people who make Beaumont such a wonderful place to live. You'll definitely still find me on the pickleball courts!
Residents would be able to reach me through the City Clerk's Office, at community events or simply by approaching me when they see me around town. I believe in being accessible, approachable and willing to listen.
When someone brings me a concern or a tough question, they can expect honesty, respect and a willingness to listen, even if we don't agree. I may not always have the answer, and some issues will fall outside the responsibilities of the City Clerk, but I'll do my best to direct them to the appropriate person or department.
At the end of the day, being an elected official doesn't make you any more important than the people you serve. I want residents to feel comfortable talking to me, just as they would any other neighbor.
A few just for fun
You’re grabbing a bite locally. Where are you going, and what are you ordering?
Tuscano's! No thought needed… The food is delicious and the staff are so personable, most of the time they know my order. Lunch special, personal pizza with jalapenos, sausage, pepperoni, salad w/ranch and a diet coke!
You have a completely free Saturday. What does it look like?
Call my kids, family members and friends to meet up and play pickleball for a few hours with lunch to follow. That would literally take up most of the day! Once home, turn on a professional sports game, doesn't matter if it's baseball, basketball, football and yes, even pickleball. Spend the rest of the evening relaxing and enjoying the night.
What hobby, talent, or fun fact would surprise people who only know you through your campaign?
If you know anything about me, you know I (we, my family) loves pickleball! Almost all of our extra time is filled with this amazing pastime. The community of pickleball is something that wasn't expected, but is the most treasured.
Your campaign gets a walk-up song. What’s playing?
Happy by Pharrell
Anything we missed?
What’s one thing you wish we had asked—or something you’d like your neighbors to know before they vote?
If there's one thing I'd like my neighbors to know, it's this: Even if you don't vote for me, please vote!
Your voice matters, and voting is one of the most important ways we can make it heard. So many courageous people fought, sacrificed and struggled for the right to vote, and much of that history wasn't all that long ago. It's something we should never take for granted.
We may not always agree on candidates or issues and that's okay. That's the beauty of democracy. What matters is that we participate, stay informed and exercise the rights that others worked so hard to secure for us. Whether you vote for me or not, just make sure your voice is heard. Every vote matters!
Where can people learn more about you and your campaign?
Please share your website, social media pages, and any upcoming opportunities for residents to meet you or ask questions.
On Instagram @missy4beaumontclerk