Our Town: Real-estate agent lives with passion

Deb Howard is passionate: passionate about family, life and work, passionate when she speaks, with a smile and a wry wit. She's passionate about being passionate. Her eyes really light up when she speaks of her husband's cooking: "He's the best cook in the world," she said. Dining at Tony Howard's table is the greatest."

She is also passionate about her work: " I take it as a challenge. I get a real thrill building creative relationships with people, finding each persons unique needs and qualities. I've always loved sales - it's something I'm passionate about."

Howard, 54, moved with her husband, whom she met in Alaska (where she spent most of her young life) and young daughter, Alice, to the South Shore in 1979. Shortly thereafter, their second child, Brett, was born. She worked as a real estate agent before 2001, when she started Deb Howard and Co., where she mentors staff, makes sales and "pays the bills."

Here's how Howard answered the following questions:

1) How would you like to be remembered after you die?

As an innovative leader and maintained my integrity and personally as a kind person. I really believe in the power of random acts of kindness.

2) What is South Lake Tahoe's most pressing issue?

The economy. There's a changing dynamic happening in our tourist-driven climate, but there are also some great opportunities out there. We need to address the local housing crisis also and how can we keep the middle class here.

3) If you could choose any citizen to be president, who would it be? Why?

Outside of the candidates who are running, Warren Buffett: He's a philanthropist and brilliant with money matters.

4) What's your favorite form of entertainment?

Dining at Tony Howard's table with family and friends, then going for a hike. OK, the next day.

5) If you could choose one thing to do over in your life, what would it be?

Pursue a graduate degree in political science and economics.

6) What living person do you most admire? Why?

The Clintons. Their devotion, strength and leadership is inspirational.

7) If you could spend an hour with anyone in the world, who would it be?

Besides Warren Buffett, Bill Moyers. He has a wide breadth of knowledge, can explain subjects clearly without bias, he knows so much about so much.

8) Which would you choose if you had the chance: win an individual Olympic gold medal or a Pulitzer Prize? Why?

A Pulitzer - it benefits all.

9) What issue has caused the country the most embarrassment? Why?

The disregard over time of our environment. It's a terrible legacy that others will inherit.