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FROM STAFF REPORTS

HELENA – A resident of Helena since 2006, Dominga Gardner is now hoping to make change in her city by running for city council during the upcoming August municipal election.

“I’ve contemplated for many years to run for city council in the great City of Helena,” Gardner said. “There is no better time than now.  Helena has been my home for over 14 years. I’ve seen much growth and feel it is imperative that Helena’s City Council represent the diverse community that we share. As an active community leader, I will honor and respect other’s perspectives and visions.”

Gardner said a vote for her is a vote for the community and that she supports and welcomes open door policies, open mindedness and a listening ear.

“I’ve always put others before myself and will continue as your representative of Helena,” she said. “My vision as a city council member would be to develop more youth initiative programs, increase diversity awareness, improve the city’s infrastructure, as well as improving technology and communications.”

Gardner said her motto is from Philippians 4:13, reading “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.”

She has been married to husband LaKeon Gardner for 18 years and has two daughters whom both attended Helena schools throughout their years.

Kirsen Gardner is a former Helena Teen Council member and sophomore attending Jacksonville State University, while Kya Gardner is a member of Helena Teen Council and a senior at Helena High.

She has been working in the Jefferson County Merit System for more than 14 years as an Application Developer at the Jefferson County Commission. She manages a team in improving workflow processes and implementing enterprise systems. She also is an Adjunct Professor at Miles College in Fairfield.

Gardner received a Bachelor of Science degree from Mississippi State University in Computer Science with minors in Mathematics and Software Engineering.  She also holds two Master of Science degrees in Educational Technology and Information Systems.

She is also a devoted church member and is currently the Trustee Chair where she helps maintain the church’s budget, facilities and technology. In her spare time, she volunteers by mentoring local youth and coaches the throwers for Helena Middle and High School track and field teams.

For more information, visit Gardner’s website at Gardner4Helena.com.