Advocacy
Government Should Work for the People — Not the Other Way Around.
I believe elected officials have a responsibility to listen, ask questions, challenge the status quo, and advocate for practical solutions.
As Mayor of Rainier and incoming Columbia County Commissioner, I’ve learned that good government doesn’t happen by simply accepting the way things have always been done.
Sometimes the answer is to keep doing something because it works.
Sometimes the answer is to change it.
And sometimes the most important question is simply:
“Why are we doing it this way?”
This page is where I’ll share the issues I’m working on, the questions I’m asking, and the changes I believe are worth pursuing.
Fiscal Responsibility
Taxpayers work hard for their money, and government has a responsibility to spend it wisely.
I believe we should continually look for ways to reduce waste, streamline government, prioritize essential services, and get the most value possible from every taxpayer dollar.
Every dollar matters.
Roads & Infrastructure
Our roads and infrastructure are some of the most important things county government provides.
I support establishing clear priorities, addressing the roads that need attention most, and making sure we get the most bang for the buck.
People shouldn't have to wonder why one project gets funded while another road continues to deteriorate.
Priorities should be clear. Decisions should be transparent.
Economic Development
Columbia County needs to grow its tax base without simply asking existing taxpayers to pay more.
That means creating an environment where businesses want to locate, existing businesses can expand, and people want to build their lives here.
I believe attracting new taxpayers, new businesses and family-wage jobs is a better long-term strategy than continually increasing the burden on the people who are already here.
Growth should help strengthen the entire county.
Transparency & Accountability
People deserve to understand how decisions are made.
They deserve to know where their money is going, why priorities are established, and how elected officials reach important decisions.
I believe transparency isn't just about making information available.
It's about making government understandable.
Public Safety
Public safety will always be one of my priorities.
Our communities depend on law enforcement, fire, EMS, emergency communications and other public-safety services when people need help most.
My goal is to support these essential services while also making sure they're financially sustainable and positioned to meet the needs of our communities in the future.
Public safety isn't something we should take for granted.
Smarter Land Use
Land-use rules should protect the things that matter while still allowing reasonable opportunities for property owners, businesses and communities.
I believe we can protect our environment without creating unnecessary barriers to responsible development.
I'm interested in finding ways to provide more flexibility, more opportunity and common-sense rules while maintaining appropriate environmental protections.
Good land-use policy should balance protection with opportunity.
Government Efficiency & Reform
Government should never be afraid to ask whether there is a better way to do something.
I'm interested in looking at government operations with fresh eyes, including opportunities to streamline departments, reduce administrative costs, eliminate unnecessary duplication and improve how services are delivered.
Just because something has always been done one way doesn't mean it's the best way.
If we can do it better, we should.