Kimberly Felan

Kimberly Felan was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. She earned an associate degree from Cambria-Rowe Business College in 1996, a bachelor's degree from the University of Phoenix in 2018, and a graduate degree from Southern New Hampshire University in 2020. Felan's career experience includes working as a senior organizer with For Our Future Pennsylvania. She has been affiliated with Indivisible and with the Johnstown Symphony Choir.[1][2]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Kimberly Felan was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. She earned an associate degree from Cambria-Rowe Business College in 1996. She earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Phoenix in 2018. She earned a graduate degree from Southern New Hampshire University in 2020. Felan's career experience includes being a senior organizer with For Our Future Pennsylvania. She has been affiliated with Indivisible and with the Johnstown Symphony Choir. I grew up here. In Kernville and Moxham till 4th grade then in Salix. I know the area and have been in Somerset County since the Summer of 2016. I care about this district, this county, these people. I know some folks are frail, scared, minorities, and in hindering circumstances. It's ok. I am ready to stand for the entire community.

I should be able to give the folks I represent hard answers to questions. I should also be able to give them my time. Whether I can fix a problem or not, I have just about had enough of this fascist, hatred, anti-democratic commentary, and people in power pushing us against each other. I'm a Democrat. I believe the government has a duty to its citizens, governed by and for all Americans, not some, but all. Even the ones who do not always agree with my ideas. I also believe we can work together to solve problems. While I believe in freedom of religion, this area is very spiritual, and I am as well. It is time to remember why we are a community, discuss our similarities, and come together.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Veteran's Services and Advocacy for their Needs long forgotten and neglected!!! Homeless, forgotten, and alone.--It is time to stop leaning on differences between us. Time to start discussing what we all share in common. Time to start thinking about Somerset County, not buzz words and division. We need some serious conversations and understanding. We do not have to agree with everything, but we need to understand each other.Working in the states, economic equality, assist small businesses at the expense of big corporations!--transportation/fuel/logistics/trucking/delivery issues all related to current events, inflation, Ukraine, etc.Environmental justice, Energy review/capital gain, Citizens assisted in community build back --local farming issues/environment/drainage/small business concerns, including infrastructure issues/internet/roads/drains/culvers/bridges/safety

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I won't make colorful promises I cannot keep. As only one person in the House, I can only influence... I cannot force change. I feel many politicians do that. But,

✔️I will do my best to give you honest answers,

✔️tell you what I am trying to do to fix it!

✔️Let you know how we can fix it or where we start

✔️ Tell you whose chain we got to pull to get responses

✔️ Be honest if I have no way to fix it and who can

✔️ make your voice heard in Harrisburg

I should be able to give the folks I represent hard answers to questions. I should also be able to give them my time. Whether I can fix a problem or not.

I know some folks are frail, scared, minorities, and in hindering circumstances. It's ok. I am ready to stand for the entire community.

I have just about had enough of this fascist, hatred, anti-democratic commentary, and people in power pushing us against each other. The ideology willing to force people to suffer for its own gain is an abomination. Democracy is about compromise.

I'm a Democrat. I believe the government has a duty to its citizens, governed by and for all Americans, not some, but all. Even the ones who do not always agree with my ideas.

I also believe we can work together to solve problems. Maybe not all problems, and probably not all over the state. But that does not mean our state and country cannot reach our goals and thrive in difficult circumstances to be what WE want, not what powerful donors or influencers say we should want or need,

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

I cannot speak for anyone else but me. I will share all my links and information. Anyone can ask me anything. #ImNotAfraid

When I am working, in a professional atmosphere, representing others, and working on professional matters, I put my personal opinions on the back burner, as well as my religious affiliation. They are not necessary to express who I am, nor are they required to bring people together for the greater good.

I am often on social media, sharing/replying to friends. It is personal and is highly opinionated. My thoughts are my own and I do not hold any specific comments or opinions back, especially for some GOP-powerful.

My Facebook account is Rosebud1668

My Twitter is Rosebud1668 and ResistinginPA

With that being said, I am sure there are things I have said on social media that have offended people. I am not going to backtrack or try to dissolve things that I have previously posted. I am sure I have called someone a name because they said something hurtful or mean. I may have had a meaningful conversation with someone in a message somewhere. However, I do not throw hate at people, I do not deliberately insult people or attempt to have them feel bad about themselves on a personal level. My general criticism is because of a behavior, not an appearance.

With that being said, I will explain an opinion or commentary on a specific post or comment I have made on social media or in public. Do not be surprised if I double down on it either. If I find that I have said something rude or wrong, there is a likelihood I will also acknowledge it and remove it from my post as well.

I get mad like anyone else, I get upset like anyone else, I cry like anyone else, I screw up, make mistakes, goof off, make friends, chit chat, and have all the faults of a regular individual. So I will not say that I cannot offend people or that I may not say something that is found offensive. But if it is pointed out to me, I will review it and give it a thought.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

In my opinion, the most important characteristics of elected officials are as follows:

Honesty - integrity - humility

Ability to delegate - Admit when you need Support - Help others

Communication is a Key - Communication with Constituents - Staff - Peers

Respect - Respect yourself, your colleagues, your constituents, and your naysayers

Gratitude - I try to remind myself - every day - By The Grace of God (or life) Go I that I am not:

hungry, addicted, stranded, injured, hurt, alone, homeless, thirsty, sick, or dead

Empathy - regardless of your personal circumstances, we can empathize with those who are suffering, having hardships, dealing with discrimination, hunger, etc.

Courage is important, even if you do not feel it, you have to show it. It is important to give the folks you represent the ability to feel you are in control. Now, courage does not necessarily give you control, but it does give you enough control to face your foes, stand for your beliefs, and be honest about who you are. Those qualities are worth giving a listen to, even if folks do not believe in the same things you do, they will respect you for speaking truth as you see it. That is important. That is why my motto is #ImNotAfraid

Influence is important because we influence others every day. Some child somewhere will remember the words of encouragement you gave them, or the nasty words of hate you tossed in their direction. Someone having a bad day can get a little bit of a boost through someone's smile, and maybe that made their day bearable. Hate is a bad influence. It spreads like wildfire and cannot be put out with more hate. If we do not come together, we cannot solve our problems. It is time to consider the influence we have on others around us.

Self-awareness and Learning agility

These are worth mentioning but I must admit, are often my shortcoming. I have a habit of getting on my little soapbox, so hopefully friends can help :D

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I want to represent people. I feel my local community is not well-represented. I want to change that.

I do not care about finances --- now let me caveat that. I care about living a decent life. Everyone does. That is a fact, but I am not in the groove of owning two houses, or a yacht, taking a world trip, or kissing up to world leaders. I have no wish to leave vast amounts of money to my family, nor do I have any urges to travel the world.

I do get a lot of satisfaction in helping others. Even in difficult tasks.

I am an inquisitive soul. Why, why can I not have something, do something, help someone? Who says I cannot do it and why. Whom do I need to get approval from and when does it need to be turned in?

I really do not like it when folks belittle or look down on others. Especially from a point of privilege or higher standing.

I LOVE a good debate. Give me a topic. Let's chat.

In spite of myself, I do like proving naysayers wrong. Please, if you truly feel I cannot do something, I strongly suggest you do not tell me I can't do it. It is probably the strongest motivation for me to reach out and do it.

FOR MY SPIRITUAL FRIENDS:

I will also say this. While I am a Christian. I also believe that we all live in sin. Therefore, we are just supposed to be good people and good to each other. I will not stand here and claim to be someone who is spiritual but without fault. Friends will tell you that I will cuss, and listen to rap music--as well as almost all forms of music, I drive faster than some folks, and I am NOT the one to point fingers about perfection or lack thereof.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

An elected official is a civil servant. They have a duty to their constituents and the US and PA Constitutions. Those are the responsibilities.

That means the civil servant opens their ears and eyes and allows constituents to tell them what is wrong in the district. Of course, some things are ongoing or generally scheduled on a regular basis like things related to schools, transportation maintenance, etc., but who does the farmer call when their land gets continually flooded and they lose crops possibly needing some sort of land grant for irrigation?

How about the truck driver who cannot find an adequate place to drop a viral load in the vicinity of a hospital? Permitting for a loading zone? Fuel issues, tax questions, passport problems, I am not exactly sure about all the issues and problems in our county at this time. I plan on finding out. I plan on helping.

My constituents are my core responsibility. They are the ones I answer to and will if elected, seek reelection with if I am elected. They will judge my performance as their representative. The Constitution and my constituents are my core responsibilities.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I am not one to make promises. To me, the word "promise" actually means something. So if I promise something to someone, they need to know the only reason I would break a promise is if something happened that was out of my control: flat tire, storm, emergency, etc.

I don't like when people make commitments and then do not keep them. It is a pet peeve of mine. No one forces someone to promise or say they will do something. You can tell someone you do not know, maybe, possibly, or even no. Committing to something and then not coming through is rude, and cruel, and it can be extremely difficult for the person who was counting on your word and presence.

I do not have secrets other than those I keep to protect those that I love. My own life? Well, ask away. I have made mistakes, and I have not always been proud of myself, but I will never shirk or flinch if someone surprises me with some bones falling out of my closet. I say let that fly! I always keep this in mind. When you open someone else's closet, there is a good chance someone will open yours.

I am a bit of an OCD personality type. Without answers or closure, there is a larger-than-average likelihood that I will not allow something to rest. Whether it's investigating something, searching for answers to a concern or question, or finding resolutions or solutions. In fact, I have an occasional history of popping in a subject change during a conversation because I was thinking about it.

My biggest flaws, my private insecurities, but you are a lucky bear if you catch me off guard in public. More like I will walkway and come back in the room with a list of responses or comments.

My kids, no matter where they are, and my youngest are seventeen. As their mom, I have given them 33 years and am more than ready to give them 50 more. They are the main reason I have waited to plunge into this journey. I was unsure if I could give 100% to both my constituents and my children when they were young.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

When I was about nine or ten years old, without looking up the historical record ;)

Mt. St. Helen's blew.

The eruption was not that big of a deal, I suppose, as I was here locally at the time, but for children in the 1970s and 80s, playing outside was pretty much the summer thing. You know, drinking from the outside hose, playing outside all day except for lunch, then coming in for dinner. Afterward, going back out until the street lights came on at night and you were on the time clock to get your butt in the yard or house. The younger generation here will think we lived in the dark ages here.

Anyway, to me it was so memorable because there was volcano soot and ash everywhere. The eruption was so vast, all the way from across the country, that it kept the sun from shining and the nice Summer weather from being normal that year. Now, we were not in the dark ages, and we did still play outside, but as the first historical event that I remember entirely, I would say that is the one.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I was an individual in the system. I aged out, graduated high school, was given $100, and was dropped off at the closest YWCA.

Did you know that is what happens, or used to happen, to teens after they aged out of the foster care system or orphanage, etc?

Anyway, too green to know what green was, I suppose. I had this job for about two months, or so, at a small grocery market called Be-Lo in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

It was a growing experience. I try not to look back on my life and think that errors or mistakes were made, right? We look back more like this:

"Yo, that was $3.25 an hour in 1987" The pay rate sucked then, and now in PA, over 30 years later, it is improving but STILL stinks." We need to have conversations with businesses and find out what is up, why things have changed, and what brainstorming efforts we can create to make a win-win for all in the community. We can figure it out, but it takes some effort.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Captain Marvel

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

I have had a challenging life, from six months old, tossed around from parent to parent, and adopted at five by my grandparents. Grandma (mom) was my rock, my heart, and showed me what love, Jesus, and empathy meant. I know now how precious that is. Back in the 70s and 80s, being the fat kid was no fun. Teased and tortured daily, physically, mentally, and emotionally as a kid. My mom would hold my head in her lap daily, working gum and glue out of my hair, wiping tears from my cheeks. She (mom) died of colon cancer when I was twelve, and the love, affection, and hope she taught me still lingers with me today 40 yrs later

Adopted by faraway relatives with a mentally ill mother and a physically abusive father who would beat or shock my little brother for peeing the bed, I learned life with love, hope, and happiness is not everyone's reality.

Running away and ending up in an orphanage at 16, I graduated and ended up on the streets on my own. I made huge mistakes through those several sketchy years. The type of mistakes made when you are hungry, homeless, hurt, troubled, catch VD, raped, attacked, mistreated, must beg, jailed, screw up, get sick, pregnant, and eventually come back to my hometown and find some family I grew up with that helped. Other than a few years here and there, I have had my act together.

I have an autistic son. He is 33 years old and in federal prison. Some pedophiles hurt him when he was very little. In spite of seeking help for over 20 years, he sexually abused a five-year-old child. I could no longer help him, If he ever gets out, he will be in a facility for life for his good and for all other kids too.

Life is hard, full of commitment, responsibility, sacrifice, and pain. The government is not supposed to make that worse.

The only true journey in life is to help others along the way.

I want to do that. I would like to take a few of those obstacles away that make life a little more difficult.

Many baby steps eventually = miles

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

There was a time when I would have said it did not matter. As far as the US Constitution goes, experience is not necessarily a commodity required for civil service.

However, we seem to be in a political environment where you cannot trust those who are entrusted to be forthright and truthful. Therefore, it is incumbent upon individuals to enlighten themselves, at least to the ability to acknowledge whether something is "kosher" or on the up and up.

Leaders do not necessarily need experience, but then it is necessary to have an uncanny test for truth in one's friendships and business work. Oftentimes, we elect leaders and we trust them, they seem authentic, want to help, support us individually, and really reach our hearts. Then they must hire others around them to assist in that work. it is there where things can fall apart.

it is also there where much of our recent political history has taken a wrong turn.

So no, previous experience is not required......... but anyone that does not know the political climate better grabs some folks to help them that have an uncanny knack for catching half-truths and lies.

As far as my personal opinion, deception, and lies are deal breakers and opportunities to oust you to those you choose to lie to. If I am a leader that is my obligation to those who elect me. I shall not allow the electorate to be poisoned by hate and pretty lies. Our citizens cannot afford it, do not deserve it, and I will not tolerate it.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

UNITY AND APATHY

When has America ever accomplished anything great without unity? I am not talking about holding hands and singing some Christmas carols. That is easy. Since when do we not hold empathy for those who mourn? When do we find ourselves agreeing with violence of any kind? When did we decide we were a nation of blame instead of solutions? Every tragedy America has ever overcome was with a force of unity that puts the rest of the world into shades of awe and creates hope. That was the spirit of democracy we meant to bring to others.

When did Americans decide to vote on the ballot every year was not worth the cast? Apathy does not appear overnight. It comes slowly, like an invisible parasite, leaching off of our hope, pride, and love. Damaging our dreams, dashing our hopes, and crushing our spirits. When did we teach our children and our grandchildren that it is no longer worth it to care about our government?

We may not have said it, we may not have meant it, but we have demonstrated it.

Our polling statistics show a massive apathy in our democracy. I am not talking about protests, complaints, arguments, standing up in defense, or outrage. I am talking about a country that no longer cares about each other. A citizenry, that despite outreach and attempts, has chosen to turn its back on its neighbors and friends. A neighborhood church refuses to feed a hungry person or give them comfort because they do not patronize that church.

Is that what you have become? Is that who I am? Are we to mistreat each other because we believe in one policy over another?

One person's misery or need for assistance does not take away from another person's hard work. Nor does it take away from the value we hold in that work. It is time to look in the mirror. That does not mean we have to bear hug each other, but we should CARE about others in our community. If you do, you know you are a dying breed.

It is time to change #ImNotAfraid

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

When I mention legislators and who I want to model after, I am thinking of how they stood their ground, gave their all for their country, and supported the overall objectives of the United States, State, or Local government. Additionally, Keep in mind that every one of these folks is an individual human being with flaws and shortcomings like all of us.

My admiration is due to their tenacity, refusal to give up, and grace to face adversity even if everyone else feels they are wrong or should not take a stand.

I come from a past where no one had any confidence in me, and it took me a long time to figure out that their confidence does not matter. It is my confidence that does. So the policy, whether it may be agreed upon or not, is not the point. Conquering adversity, seeking and meeting the challenge, and showing everyone who counted you out, that they do not know you or what you are capable of. These political figures meet the criteria for me:

Barack Obama, Ketanji Brown Jackson, Jesse Jackson, Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Nelson Mandela, Amy Klobuchar, John Lewis, John McCain, and to a certain degree, Bob Dole and Liz Cheney

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

And see, where I gave birth they did not have a NICU, so they had to transfer little Dillon to another hospital.

After delivery, they came to my room and informed me about his condition. See, his major chromosomes didn't grow right, he had a trisomy, his little heart was too small, and his lungs looked like little puffy clouds... not normal...

So I left 6 hours after birth to go to the other hospital to be with him. If he was going to die. I was going to be there. So I self-discharged.

I spent the next 4 days there at the NICU with my son's grandparents with him. He was dying but we were waiting for his lung x-rays to clear to see what we could do. 3 days later we saw his deformed lungs and knew 100% there was no way he could survive. Not with both heart and lungs damaged.

and died in my arms 4 days later from congenital heart and lung defects.

That knowledge...put me through the wringer. Felt that pain. Longed for that trade on death. Not my baby's fault, not my child's sin. What can I do, who can I call? Where do the miracles come from? Begged God to trade me for my baby. Laid across from the NICU unit praying, rocking all night. In my frantic, grief-filled mind bargaining with death, thinking I could somehow sacrifice myself for my baby. Dillon was born Dillon Michael Kearns on 10-25-96 to 10-28-96 he has a social security card. A birth certificate, and a death certificate. I love him like I do my other living children.

My reward for discharging early after birth. I got a uterine infection. Seriously ill. But I buried my baby right. To me, that was going to happen before I went back to any hospital. So I was in a week's recovery after that as well. (Grandpa died that week too, '96 was a sad year)

Took me a very long time to recover. And I suppose part of me never has because I cry now. But, I wrote my letter to God. I came to terms with it.

And I did not give up. We tried again. So grand was my love for my babies.

Unborn have advocates already, Moms

Tell us your favorite joke.

I love a good joke, but I am very bad at giving the punchline, so I will share these:

My old aunts would come and tease me at weddings, “Well Sarah? Do you think you’ll be next?” We settled this quickly once I started doing the same to them at funerals.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Let us break this down a little bit and define policymaking.

Policymaking is the formulation of ideas or plans used by the government as a basis for making decisions. In the US, we develop a policy on a system of democracy. American democracy relies on the whole republic working together for the good of all, as it should. What does that mean?

A republic is how we frame democracy. We choose or elect people we want to represent us at our government's table. It is that individual's function, obligation, and duty to speak for those who elected them (on average, every US House Rep will represent 700,000 citizens).

This, in effect, is the way our democracy is formulated. In, our democracy is formed around the US Constitution and governed "by and for the people." The US Constitution is also a "living document."

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I should be able to give the folks I represent hard answers to questions. I should also be able to give them my time. Whether I can fix a problem or not.

I grew up here. In Kernville and Moxham till 4th grade then in Salix. I know the area and have been in Somerset county since the Summer of 2016. I care about this district, this county, these people.

I know some folks are frail, scared, minorities, and in hindering circumstances. It's ok. I am ready to stand for the entire community.

I can't jog, I can't marathon, and even occasionally need a cane...been a mom for over 30 years, have a Master's in Political Science- so I know how American politics works, and I have just about had enough of this fascist, hatred, anti-democratic commentary, and people in power pushing us against each other.

I'm a Democrat. I believe the government has a duty to it's citizens, governed by and for all Americans, not some, but all. Even the ones who do not always agree with my ideas.

I also believe we can work together to solve problems. Maybe not all problems, and probably not all over the state. But that does not mean Somerset county must be a den of hate and mistreatment of others.

The time for hate is over. It's time for some actual commitment from someone who gives a darn here in our district.

While I believe in freedom of religion, this area is very spiritual and I am as well. It is time to remember why we are a community, discuss our similarities, and come together.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

--It is time to stop leaning on differences between us. Time to start discussing what we all share in common. Time to start thinking about Somerset County, not buzz words and division. We need some serious conversations and understanding. We do not have to agree with everything, but we need to understand each other.--transportation/fuel/logistics/trucking/delivery issues all related to current events, inflation, Ukraine, etc.--local farming issues/environment/drainage/small business concerns, including infrastructure issues/internet/roads/drains/culvers/bridges/safety

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I won't make promises. But,

✔️I will do my best to give you honest answers,

✔️tell you what I am trying to do to fix it!

✔️Let you know how we can fix it or where we start

✔️ Tell you whose chain we got to pull to get responses

✔️ Be honest if I have no way to fix it and who can

✔️ make your voice heard in Harrisburg

I should be able to give the folks I represent hard answers to questions. I should also be able to give them my time. Whether I can fix a problem or not.

I grew up here. In Kernville and Moxham till 4th grade then in Salix. I know the area and have been in Somerset county since the Summer of 2016. I care about this district, this county, these people.

I know some folks are frail, scared, minorities, and in hindering circumstances. It's ok. I am ready to stand for the entire community.

I can't jog, I can't marathon, and even occasionally need a cane...been