I am running for Port Commissioner to bring an economy to Columbia County it deserves, with family wage jobs that are diversified and sustainable so our children and grandchildren can call our county home!
Committed to bettering the lives of Columbia County residents
I have lived in Columbia County for 20 years. I am an avid fisherman and hunter. My wife Lynne and I enjoy traveling, camping, hiking and the beauty of nature. We have three adult children and four grandchildren. I understand that the Port Commissioners are stewards of the public trust. The decisions they make impact the lives of all who live in the district. My goal is to help make Columbia County an even better place to live and raise a family. For every decision the Port makes, I will ask how it will impact the lives of our residents.
Experience
I retired from state government where I rose through the ranks to be the DEQ Administrator of the Laboratory and Environmental Assessment Division.
I have provided expert testimony to the Oregon Legislature over 25 times.
I led state efforts in the development of the Oregon Groundwater Quality Protection Act, working with numerous stakeholder groups, including the Farm Bureau, nonprofit environmental groups, public health experts, well drillers, and many others.
I have addressed the various stakeholder groups interests, and the legislation was passed with broad support.
I have served on numerous state and national committees and councils Including:
National Governor’s Association Task Force on Non-point Source Pollution.
Department of Interiors National Water Quality Monitoring Council (representing the states of Oregon, Idaho, Washington, and Alaska).
Oregon Ocean Policy Advisory Council, and the Management Committee of the Lower Columbia River Estuary Program.
Responsibility of a Port Commissioner
Being a Port Commissioner is not just attending a couple of meetings a month but doing the hard work of fully understanding the benefits and the risks of Port decisions.
A Commissioner needs to seek out, listen and understand the interests of all stakeholders in Port Decisions and then work with those stakeholders to find solutions that can best address those interests.
I am willing to do that hard work for you!
Port Vision and Mission
The responsibility of a Port Commissioner is to consider the best interest of the districts residents while achieving the vision and mission of the Port.
Vision
To be a leading, innovative port focused on economic development which will benefit Columbia County’s future generations.
Mission
Foster local opportunities to create and sustain jobs, while diversifying our regional economy.
Provide improved financial return.
Use maritime, aviation, industrial, recreational sites, and Port resources to support local and international commerce; and maintain environmental assets in the Port District.
Community Service
I strongly believe in the value and rewards of public service. I am a volunteer driver for the St. Helens Senior Center meals program. For six years when it was conducted with volunteers I worked at the Community Action Team Warming Center, with two other Kiwanians I mow and maintain Walnut Tree Park, and I am a Board Member and Past President of the Scappoose Bay Watershed Council.