I’m originally from rural King County, growing up in the Snoqualmie valley near Carnation, WA. When I was five my parents built a vacation home here in Grayland, so that’s how I became familiar with the area and Pacific County. In the 80’s I obtained a 200 ton all ocean merchant marine license and charter fished for many years off the Washington coast. In 1991 as the fishing quotas were dwindling I was looking for another option which brought me to Coast Seafoods here in South Bend. I spent the first 8 years as the QC manager, and the last 17 years as the plant manager. New ownership had a different vision that didn’t include me, so now I’m working for Pacific County as a maintenance technician primarily at the courthouse which happens to be across the street from my house.

Working in the fishing and shellfish industries taught me the value and importance of our natural resources, timber included, and how we must protect and enhance them for a stable local economy and support those that rely on them. These resources are always subject to attack from both natural and regulatory sources which require exceptional leadership, with the ability to build and strengthen relationships as well as being consistently proactive. The marijuana industry is an important newcomer that provides employment for many in Pacific County and deserves our full support. Affordable housing, public safety, and drug abuse, are among other priorities in our county. We must also make sure our youth have the opportunities to prosper, and it's our duty to ensure our seniors find Pacific County an excellent choice for their finest years. 

My work experience has served me well to tackle the issues before us. Aggressive, proactive measures are necessary to minimize issues, and I react quickly to unforeseen problems that arise. I am comfortable asking the hard questions and will always pursue the facts to make the best decisions. Throughout my years at Coast I have exceeded budget goals and under my leadership Coast consistently grew and prospered. My relationships with regulatory and industry leaders were a big part of that success as well. I was very active in our industry and sat on numerous committees/boards to promote the industry as a whole.

 I will be the independent voice that’s needed in the commissioners room, as right now we have two commissioners, my incumbent included, who consistently vote the same, rendering the third ineffective. The buddy system, decisions based on personal gain, or personal opinion, will never be my strategy.

 I truly enjoy what I'm doing and appreciate the change of pace, but feel I can be most effective serving the great people of Pacific County and would like nothing more than to serve those that call it home.