There has been a lot of discussion about some of the challenges faced by our park district recently. For many of us, it has been these challenges that have caused us to become more involved with the management of our wonderful parks, and this is a good thing, an important thing. Our parks are one of those wonderful examples of something that gives back more than what we as individuals can ever put into it. Parks give us opportunities for peaceful walks through the forests, the chance for our children to play sports and know the joy and pride of being part of a team, to come together as a community and listen to music and enjoy the arts, and a time and space to reflect and to commune with nature. And in times of change, they define and balance the development and identity of our beautiful island.

A friend of mine said, “The kind of parks we have and how we take care of them says a lot about us. They’re a living statement about what we value as a community.” And so as a community, as citizens, and as taxpayers, we deserve park leadership that best represents our values.

One that is committed to ensuring transparency, accountability and effective stewardship of funds.

One that is committed to being inclusive and making sure our voices are not only heard but are the drivers of what we want our park district to be.

And one that has a strong and sustainable vision for where our parks need to be today, tomorrow and into the future. A vision that places our park district at the forefront of parks management regionally, nationally and hopefully with work and time also internationally.

For over 20 years, I worked abroad in the former Soviet Union, the Caucuses and Southeast Asia to help develop civil society institutions, support humanitarian relief efforts and protect some of our most at-risk areas of natural capital. I have worked with communities large and small, diverse demographically as well as in ideas and values. I’ve managed multi-million dollar budgets in some of the most challenging environments possible. And I believe, together with the teams and people I’ve worked with, that we’ve made the world a better place as a result. Today I oversee risk management and compliance operations for one of the largest global conservation organizations in the world. I’ve built my reputation on ensuring the highest ethical standards, maximum transparency and efficient and effective operations.

Together with my wife, two children and a very friendly Labrador, we have called Vashon home for the last 5 years, and we feel privileged and so happy to be a part of this wonderful community. If elected to the position of park commissioner, I will apply all my experience and my energy to helping give our community, from the youngest child to the wisest elder, not just a better park district but a world class park district.