What’s your vision for the future?

I truly believe if the citizens and County work together through a transparent, respectful, and community-focused dialogue that together we can define and create responsible growth that benefits the citizenry, businesses, and workers, while also protecting the natural environment of the beautiful place that we ALL love calling home.

What are your plans for County Commission?

1. As elected officials, the greatest asset we have is the community, so we need to listen to the citizens and bring a more transparent, community-focused methodology that builds trust between the community and the County.

2. The residents of District 4 form the backbone of our county and its economy. Their voices must be heard and they deserve representation at the County level.

3. Safety and emergency preparedness are critical to the rural communities of District 4. The County needs to ensure our communities are prepared and resilient in times of emergency like wildfires, winter storms and others.

4. We need to responsibly balance housing, livability, sustainability, and opportunity for Hood River County citizens and its abundant natural resources.

5. We need to not just think of today, but rather, think about how to future-proof Hood River County for the next 100 years.

What do you think are the challenges facing our County?

I look forward to working with the Commission on multiple issues.

Emergency Preparedness - To me, it isn’t about reacting to the moment of emergency, it’s about proactively preparing for the potential emergency. With the climate changing, it is impacting our county in every way imaginable. We need to engage the State to support Hood River County with funds to revisit the wildfire risk map, fund sustainable energy, enact climate change mitigation, secure our land usage maps, protect our natural resources, anticipate needs, and protect our citizens. 

Land Use Management/Livability - Our county is highly sought after for a trove of reasons; beauty, recreation, opportunity. This means our county is getting increasingly expensive to live. We must ensure the hardworking people, that are the backbone of our county’s economy, are able to live and thrive here. The county must work smartly to balance the needs of people, business, and our natural resources with the reality of increased costs, population density, and environmental impact. We can’t trade our beauty for sprawl or our trees for buildings.

Infrastructure - Like Maslow’s hierarchy of needs for a person, a county also needs a strong foundational base for its health and vitality. Unfortunately, much of our infrastructure, and community needs, are nearing their natural life span. Bridges are being replaced. Building are crumbling. Schools don’t have proper heat. Our mass transit is inadequate. As a community, we need to move toward a mentality of preserving and fixing the infrastructure we do have via smart, reasonable investments and away from the mentality of let it crumble and ask for help.

What makes you a good choice for County Commissioner District 4?

I am a husband, father, small business owner, Port of Cascade Locks Commissioner, home-owner, advertising professional, voter, hiker, biker, traveler, beer lover, opinionated movie watcher, recreational sports enthusiast, and all-around easy going human being that loves where we live.

My civic mindset has been formed from experience in various public service sectors. I am actively serving as Port of Cascade Locks Commissioner, Seat 3. I was a Digital Advertising Director for the largest Presidential campaign in US history. I was an intern for U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett. I worked with Portland Metro to build public awareness for a Bond Measure that secured funding for Metro Parks and Natural Areas for ten years. I helped Oregon Lottery promote the beneficiaries that receive Lottery dollars, including Veteran Services, State Parks, Education, and others. 

These responsibilities have given me the opportunity to learn the intricacies and importance of government, citizen support, and maintaining tight, fiscally-responsible budgets that are open and available to the diligent eye of the public, and to make responsible, informed, and prudent decisions on behalf of all the citizens.

What inspired you to run for a position on the Hood River County Commission?

I have been in love with the natural beauty of the Gorge since the moment I first saw it over 20 years ago. When my family had a chance to move to the Gorge, we knew immediately we had to make that dream a reality. After moving to Cascade Locks, I joined the local Parent Teacher Organization, started a small business, held fundraisers, and was elected to the Cascade Locks Port Commission.

Given my personal, professional, and governmental background, I know the County Commission is the place that best suits my skill set and where I can make a positive impact for the county and District 4.

Do you have experience with government entities?

Yes. I am actively serving as Port of Cascade Locks Commissioner, Seat 3. I worked with Portland Metro to build public awareness for a Bond Measure that secured funding for Metro Parks and Natural Areas for ten years. I worked with Portland City Council to name the downtown region, Pioneer Square. I helped Oregon Lottery promote the beneficiaries that receive Lottery dollars, including Veteran Services, State Parks, Education, and others. Finally, I was a Digital Advertising Director for the largest presidential campaign in US history.

Why Hood River County?

It all begins with love and respect. I respect the citizens. I love and respect the natural beauty surrounding us. I love and respect the abundance of recreational activities. I love and respect the water. And I have quickly taken an active role in the community. Isn’t that what it’s all about, with whom and what you surround yourself?