The NewsTimes asked the council candidates the following questions and here is my reply:

1.      Why are you running for public office?

I have enjoyed serving on the city council for the past two years and believe that this is the best city in Oregon. I served in the Newport Police Department for thirty years and want to give back to my community. I want to continue to work on the financial policies we have put in place to make the city more fiscally sound, strengthening the reserve accounts and getting the finance department software up and working so citizens can pay their bills online. Also finding additional funds to pay for and finish the undergrounding of utility poles on highways 101 and 20 is a goal.

2. In your opinion, what are the top 3 priorities facing the city and
what do you intend to do about them?

 The top 3 priorities in my opinion are infrastructure, fiscal problems, and an aging city pool. To continue to keep the deteriorating pipes, roads, and buildings on the front burner and not putting projects off for another council to deal with. To continue the fiscal policies we have set in place to further enhance the cities bond ratings. To find a better solution to rebuild the municipal pool and a workable bond measure for it.


3. If elected, what unique personal strengths or qualifications you
would bring to the city council?

I feel that my experience in working for the city gives me an understanding of the work that can be accomplished by the cities great staff. Being on the council the past two years has given me the knowledge to handle the more complicated and sometimes politically hard decisions. I have also worked hard at consensus building when dealing with complex issues to find the best solution for everyone. I am also known as somewhat of a cheapskate and I also like to use that when dealing with spending issues. But also making sure the cheapest deal is also the best deal. After all, it is my money too that the council spends.

4. When issues get hot, how do you plan to stay cool, win friends and
influence enemies?

I once took a supervision class that taught me the parent/adult/child theory of communications or Transactional Analysis. When we talk to each other on a child or parent level we get little accomplished. When we talk on the adult level we get everything accomplished. Moving discussions at council to the adult to adult level gets more constructive work done and greatly lessons people getting hot.

5. Who or what have been the greatest influences on your life that
have made you the person you are today?

 This is an easy question, my parents. My father always taught me the hard work ethic and always said to try and accomplish one thing a day. At the end of the year you will have accomplished at least 365 things. He also taught me to approach life with a sense of humor. My mother taught me to be compassionate and humble to put other people first. She also taught me how to cook beef stroganoff from scratch. I try to use these principles when dealing with the people’s business at the city council.