Ok, I just spoke with my mechanic (who wasn't reachable yesterday, other than his brief message, so I didn't have that much information), and it looks like the switch is burned out but may work with a two-wire push button, that requires me to have the key in the ignition but then use the starter button as well. I'm visually oriented and have to go over and take a look at the thing to see exactly why this works, but it looks like we may have a solution here. Thanks for the suggestions and prompt replies and I'll keep them in mind if this doesn't work,

much thanks,

Catherine

ps reading past posts on the same topic was helpful, and I'm sorry to admit I only did after I sent my question out--I'll do my research next time!