If you were asking me for my vote, I would want to know more about you. That said, you might want to know a few things about me.

I was born in Oklahoma City, and have lived in Edmond for about 20 years. I attended Oklahoma Christian University (Oklahoma Christian College was its name way back when I was a student). Then it was on to University of Oklahoma College of Law, where I obtained my law degree in 1987. I practiced law, and helped run my family’s company, until I decided that this path led me to banking. I am now the Executive Vice President for First Fidelity Bank.

My husband of twenty years, Brent, is clearly the better half of this pair. We were married shortly after I passed the bar exam. He continued his education, and has graduate degrees in both electrical engineering and business. Our sons, Patrick and Phillip, attend Edmond Public Schools. Patrick attends Sequoyah Middle School, and Phillip is at Northern Hills Elementary. Patrick is the basketball player, while Phillip loves football.

Luckily, much of my family lives in Edmond. My dad, Harold, owns a company that he started 30 years ago. My mom is deceased, almost two years now, but she left a legacy in this town. As one of the founders of UR Special Ministries, she helped clothe more than 21,000 needy children here in Edmond. That is why she is listed in the Festival Market Place as one of the 100 women who most impacted Edmond in the last 100 years.

If I were to list all the brothers, aunts, uncles, and cousins that live here, you would surely know some of them, and this little “fact sheet” might become a novel. Ask me about them, and I am happy to share some great stories.

Community involvement is in my blood. I recently served as chairman for the Edmond Economic Development Authority. I am now serving on the Edmond Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and its executive committee. I chair the Governmental Relations Committee. I also am honored to serve on the UR Special Board of Directors.

Statewide, both Governor Keating and Governor Henry have appointed me to serve on boards which focus on education and children. As past chair of the Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness, and a current member of the Commission for Human Services, I have the opportunity to work to better the lives of children in this state.

I truly have a passion to serve Edmond and a desire to make a difference. This is my home and where we choose to raise our family, and I enjoy serving my friends and neighbors. I urge you to vote on April 7th and ask for your consideration as Edmond’s next mayor.

Patrice