Tell us about your background and how it qualifies you to serve on the city council.

I have been active as a charter member and leader of Union Hill Neighborhood Association, a Board of Directors member of Sustainable Bremerton and a Kiwanian. Professionally I am a member Kitsap County Board of Realtors, and served as secretary. Large budget management, consensus building and getting projects completed are things I do every day.

What is the single most pressing issue in your district? What have you done, and what will you do, to address that issue?

We need to revitalize Charleston to create a center to define our new District 5. We have a great opportunity be a standout destination business district. I have been meeting with business owners and leaders; working to bring new events and excitement to this area. Raising the profile of Historic Business District will be paramount; working with the owners and citizenry, I have some innovative ideas and have the skill set to bring them to fruition.

If elected, what will be your top three priorities as a member of the city council?

We need to have streets that are safe, walkable, and neighborhoods that are sustainable. I will partner with our neighbors on creating improved relationships with police, bring the same amount of zeal to fixing our streets and sidewalks as we have seen downtown, and continue to be an enthusiastic supporter of expanding home ownership in Bremerton, citywide.

Why are you the better candidate in this election? Why should voters choose you?

These past two years, I have been doing the hard work in the preparing for this job; attending city council meetings, as well as study sessions and committee meetings and working on the issues with councilpersons. Council members have reached out to me for expert opinions on drafts of ordinances. I am able to bring key stake-holders into a discussion, just as I did with the discussion around fire codes earlier this summer.

If you could change one thing about the city of Bremerton with the flick of a switch, what would it be and why?

I would change our “hidden gem” status. Bremerton is an urban community and has urban challenges. Some know we have dramatic architecture, opportunities for home ownership and forward-looking schools. What more people need to know about are our fantastic restaurants; shops catering to wide varieties of tastes and a concentration of artists that rivals any in Kitsap.  I challenge anybody to attend a First Friday Art Walk not find something fantastic see, purchase or eat.

What would your pitch be to a business owner considering a move to Bremerton?

We have a great history and are on the verge of a real rejuvenation. Bremerton has affordable real estate and is fostering a business supportive climate. Come build the next great chapter for this city!

What is your position on the proposed charter amendment that would allow the council to meet in Kitsap County, but outside of the Bremerton city limits?

I support the change to the City Charter; we as a city need to be agile and able to attend meetings of other entities in the county. New paradigms and new methods are what are needed to create positive lasting changes; this is one way to unlock these new pathways to success.