Born on the southside of inner city Chicago, I made my escape in August of 1980 after earning my B.A. degree in Environmental Studies from Northeastern Illinois University . This liberation initiated a 9 year adventure of seeking environmental education pursuits and learning opportunities in Illinois, Texas, Vermont, Wisconsin, and Washington State. During this time I was employed with the Youth Conservation Corps, the Conservation Society of Vermont, the Student Conservation Association, two different Outdoor Education Centers and as a Graduate Teaching Assistant with Northern Illinois University where I earned my M.S. Ed. degree in Environmental Education.
Near the end of this 9-year adventure I was drawn to the wilderness of the Olympic Peninsula, I arrived in Sequim in July 1985. For the next 4 years I worked with the Student Conservation Association, Sequim Bay State Park, Olympic National Park and Olympic Park Institute. In September 1989 with new family members on the way, I embarked on a new career and a 29-year journey as a Certified Financial Planner and an Investment Representative.
I have been married since 1986. My wife and I are now empty nesters having 2 adult children who have flown the coop.
My wife and I like to travel in our little travel trailer when possible. We both enjoy birding and visiting national wildlife refuges. I also enjoy genealogy and related history, local volunteerism (I am also on the Clallam County Planning Commission), meditation, NBA basketball, and a variety of movies and documentaries.
Sequim, like many rural towns across the country, is experiencing pressing issues revolving around urban sprawl, economic development, housing, conservation, resource use, alternative energies and climate change resiliency, to name a few. These issues are not incompatible in my view. My experience of most Sequim area citizens is that they are thoughtful, concerned, want to be engaged and informed and are very forward thinking. I believe Sequim has the potential to address all of these issues and more.
Every 8 years we have an opportunity to update the Washington State required Comprehensive Plan, which drives policies, decisions and ordinances regarding the above issues and much more. The update to the Sequim Comprehensive Plan is due in 2025. Much work needs to be done and public engagement is critical to community planning. Robust community involvement, input and participation are key to this update. Please get involved. We need you.
Term Expiration: December 31, 2024