Dear Neighbors,

Except when I was away to college, I have lived in Clark County my entire life. It is a wonderful place to live, work and raise a family. I was fortunate to have served the public for 29 years with Fire District 6, including 9 years as the Fire Chief. We listened to our citizens and succeeded in providing the highest level of fire/life safety service possible.

Working on behalf of our community is a responsibility that I do not take lightly. I have thought a great deal about how to best apply my skills and desire to serve our community. We need strong, honest and open leadership. As your commissioner, I will use my experience and apply my values to move Clark County forward in a positive and prosperous direction.

I have been involved both professionally and as a volunteer in the public process over the years. I especially enjoy the interaction between those involved to reach creative solutions to our community needs.  I have never hesitated to serve on different community boards or to provide input to various agencies handling planning issues. I have participated in planning issues with the Vancouver School District, WSU Vancouver, Legacy / Salmon Creek Hospital and many other projects. I have also been involved in the community through the Hazel Dell Salmon Creek Business Association as a past president, Retired Senior Volunteer Programs, Little League, the Boy Scouts of America, 25 years of service to the American Red Cross. I am currently the Chairman of TEAM 99, a group working with Clark County to improve HWY 99. I found these to be challenging, educational and rewarding.

The quality of life we enjoy in Clark County must be protected. We must have safe family-oriented neighborhoods, varied recreational opportunities, strong schools, adequate roads and protection of our natural resources.

We must have responsible growth. Growth planning requires collaboration with local governments, neighborhoods, environmental groups, concerned citizens and members of the business community.

Economic development is essential to the health of our county. We must have a more business-friendly environment. Accomplishing this requires the right policies. Are our taxing, permitting and fee structures reasonable? I don’t think so and I will take a hard look at them. The county must also work with others in the recruitment of new businesses into our communities while helping with the retention and growth of the businesses that are already here.

We need more family wage jobs in the county so that many of the 65,000 people who cross the Columbia River each day can work closer to their homes and families.

We have transportation issues that must be met head on. We need to prioritize and make the most out of the resources available to reduce congestion. We need to work effectively with our state legislators to focus on congestion relief for all of Clark County.

The County must be fiscally responsible and operate within its means without raising taxes. Basic public safety must always come first.

Integrity in public service is very important to me. I believe that open communications and the search for common ground in difficult situations are crucial to finding solutions to the County’s problems.

I have a reputation for integrity, accountable, accessibility, competence and common sense in both my professional and every day life. These attributes will help me serve Clark County as you next commissioner. Together we can secure Clark County’s future greatness as a place to live, to work and to raise a family.