Tell us about your background and how it qualifies you to serve on the city council.
Association of Washington Cities Certificate of Advanced Municipal Leadership; Past President of Bremerton City Council; Past chairman of the following committees: Finance, Planning, Public Safety and Parks, Past President Transportation Benefit District, Board Member of Kitsap Transit, Kitsap Mental Health Services, and Bremerton Historic Ships Association; Bachelors Degree in Business Administration with Honors; Navy – Qualified in Submarines; Eagle Scout; 30 years at PSNS. Demonstrated leadership, experience, and passion to serve.
What is the single most pressing issue in your district? What have you done, and what will you do, to address that issue?
Sidewalks and streets. Much of the residential areas in the district have narrow streets and no sidewalks. People need a safe area to walk and children need a safe route to school. In the Kitsap Lake area, a safe walking path around Kitsap Lake is desired. I initiated the formation of the Transportation Benefit District to fund streets and sidewalk, and working with the other council members passed an ordinance to increase funding for streets and sidewalks without increasing taxes.
If elected, what will be your top three priorities as a member of the city council?
Replace deteriorating utility infrastructure, fund streets, sidewalks and parks, and work towards eliminating housing blight.
Why are you the better candidate in this election? Why should voters choose you?
For me, being a councilman is more than a part-time job – I am retired and can devote the time required not only for the routine duties of a councilman, but also for events and organizations requiring participation during the workday. I am also available to meet with constituents during the day to discuss their concerns and problems.
If you could change one thing about the City of Bremerton with the flick of a switch, what would it be and why?
Eliminate the blighted housing and replace it with modern housing available at low and market rates to encourage increased home ownership for both low and median income families and still provide an adequate rental market. We need to make living in Bremerton attractive to the “well paid” shipyard workers, Seattle commuters and other families with a higher disposable income in order to support small businesses in town, which in turn will create more jobs and provide more income to the city resulting in the ability to maintain our streets, parks and build sidewalks.
What would your pitch be to a business owner considering a move to Bremerton?
With Olympic College in town, Bremerton can provide a skilled workforce; has available land zoned for building, has available infrastructure, and Bremerton is beautiful!
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 am for the charter amendment. The Bremerton City Council is the only council in Kitsap County that cannot meet outside city limits. The council should be able to meet with other councils (with proper advance public notice) to meet, share with, and learn from other councils.
