Donna Rugani

• Candidate, 58

• Married, six children

• Library aide

Donna Rugani has lived in Troy for four years and finds value in her fresh, observant eyes.

“When I first moved here I was told to go to City Council meetings to find out what this town is all about,” Rugani said. “I’ve only missed one and that was cancelled by the council.”

Rugani disagrees with some of the spending measures the board has passed.

“The creation of the assistant to the manager position I thought was a waste,” Rugani said. “I thought other people were already doing that and the position came at a $56,000 cost to Troy. That is money we could have spent on sidewalks or power poles.”

Before moving to Troy, Rugani worked 22 years at a security company. First hired as a regular officer, she worked her way up to account manager.

“I missed two days in my 22 years,” Rugani said. “I love going to work.”

Rugani acknowledges that Troy is not a wealthy city and says jobs are the biggest challenge. Still, she has ideas for attracting business.

“We should not raise water and sewer rates,” Rugani said. “We have to make Troy livable for small town businesses to fill empty buildings.”

Rugani embraces her small city. She does not want to change it, but believes her time in larger cities gives perspective.

“I’m not connected to anyone,” Rugani said. “But I know how to save money and I would like to give some of my wisdom to the growing families here.”

If money were no issue, Rugani would invest in a community center for  kids.

“I see kids walking down the street and it looks like trouble,” Rugani said. “Baseball and football are nice but they’re seasonal. I would vote to invest money in something like that.”