My Backstory
I am Deborah (Deb) Ison Flowers and have lived in NKY since I was four years old. I grew up in a working-class family as the oldest of five children. I understand the struggles that many families in the district face (poverty, substance abuse, alcohol abuse, and lack of educational guidance, to name a few). I knew that I was the average person next door, living life, one decision, plan, and goal at a time. While I had lived through a difficult childhood, I knew myself well enough to know that I had to create my own destiny. I married my high school sweetheart after graduating from Boone County HS. We had 2 children, and I became a nurse. In 2006, I decided I would eventually run for public office. After retiring from nursing in 2021, I knew the time was right to run. Every experience I have ever had helped me understand and appreciate the need for people to be a voice for others when the need arose, and I think that time is absolutely now. I have always embraced the quote by Ram Dass, the psychologist, who said, "We are all just walking each other home."
A Cherished Career
I have had a long and cherished career in public service. I did not become a nurse until I was 29 years old which provided me with a great deal of life experience prior to navigating this new career. Starting in 1988, I was first an LPN, then an RN, followed by a BSN, and then an MSN. As a nurse, I have had a wonderful vocation, caring for patients, ensuring their safety and security in every position I have ever held, appreciating the families of the patients and understanding what they experience when their loved one is in a state of illness, discomfort, or even the dying process. I have taught many people along the way - both as an educator in colleges and as an educator and quality expert in certain areas of nursing.
I have also been a small business owner over the years - both as a licensed medical massage therapist and currently as an independent artist creating both paintings and jewelry.
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My love for my family has been what has always been my driving force for my career. My husband, children, and grandchildren, along with extended family and friends have brought me joy, encouragement, and only a few sleepless nights. I am so grateful to be able to run to represent them as well as the good people of Kentucky.
MISSION STATEMENT
I, Deborah (Deb) Ison Flowers, am committed to representing the people of Kentucky as the District 60 State Representative with integrity, honesty, and compassion. I passionately believe in a pragmatic approach to decision making, protecting the individual rights of ALL people, creating an environment of equality for ALL people, protecting the right of privacy for ALL people, fiercely protecting public education, advocating for sensible gun violence protection - especially as it is now the #1 killer of children, and maintaining a civil discourse with all people regardless of our differences. As a nurse, I am very aware of some issues that have created unsafe care for patients as well as dangerous situations for healthcare providers at all levels. I will fight for and promote safe staffing ratios in all areas of healthcare. I am also committed to reducing frivolous spending in government, which includes using my time in the legislature to deal with the kitchen table issues that affect all of us such as skyrocketing utility bills, the lack affordable housing, the condition of our infrastructure, and good-paying jobs as opposed to culture wars that do nothing but promote hate and division between family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors. As your State Representative, I will work relentlessly to make our community a place we all are proud to call home.