Elected Experience
Port of Benton Commissioner since 2007

Other Professional Experience
After 35 years in the nuclear power plant industry, I retired from Energy Northwest in 2007. After retiring, I joined my son Jeff to build and operate our small business, a custom fabrication shop.

Education
1969 graduate of RHS; AA Degree from CBC; Project Management Certification from WSU Tri-Cities; Graduate of Leadership Tri-Cities; Professional Manager, Certification from NMA.

Community Service
Board Member, TRIDEC; Past Chairman, Richland Economic Development Committee; Past Chairman, Richland Utility Advisory Committee; Past President, Washington Public Port Association; Past President, Richland Rotary; Past Commodore, Richland Yacht Club.

Statement
As a native of Richland, I chose to raise my four children and eight grandchildren in this community. I continue to seek opportunities to strengthen our community by moving beneficial projects and policies forward.

Beyond my current community service commitments, I will continue to reduce the property taxes used to subsidize the Port’s tenants. This last 5-year effort to update 20- and 30-year-old land leases with Port tenants to current, fair market rates must continue, to provide a level playing field for all small businesses.

Over the last 5 years, I have championed efforts to rebuild the Port’s railroad assets after 20+ years of deferred maintenance by replacing railroad crossings and reducing wait times at Richland railroad crossings.

My primary focus is to use my 35 years’ experience in the nuclear power industry to continue facilitating and advocating with our community partners, both public and private, to support economic development. Development that will grow job opportunities in the emerging Advanced Nuclear Energy industry and its related supply chain manufacturing. I will strive to increase local manufacturing opportunities in small modular reactors, nuclear fuels, fusion reactors, hydrogen fuels, biofuels, fertilizers, and value-added agriculture.