Vashon has been good to my family over the 20-plus years we’ve lived here. I grew up where people knew one another and where there were no fences, so I feel blessed to have found this openness once again here on this island. In fact, as soon as the first Vashon ferry I was on landed at the north end, I knew I’d “come home.”

Because of some events of the past few years, I believe the park district has lost some credibility with our community. Since there are many good things that are going on with the park district, I believe the board’s challenge is to restore the community’s faith in the board and in its role as stewards of our levy monies. I believe I can help the district become more transparent and straightforward in its relationship to the public to restore trust and alignment.

I know we value our natural resources on the island, and I know the park district can enhance our resources through thoughtful stewardship and access to parks by a wider range of our island’s population.

I retired in 2005 from 40 years as a healthcare leader, having been responsible for running organizations from physician groups to complex teaching hospitals. I have an MBA in finance and am a Navy veteran (three tours in Vietnam). I believe I know the meaning of service and sound financial accountability.

If elected to the park district board, I hope to use my business skills and love for this island to help re-establish trust between our community and the park district leadership.

My wife and I moved here in 1995 because of some heart issues I had. We believed that moving to Vashon would help create a healing environment for me. It has. From personal experience, therefore, I know how parks contribute to our quality of life and how their stewardship — open and straightforward — is vital and life-giving to us all.

In addition to the skills and capabilities I bring to my candidacy, you will know of my commitment to Vashon when you see me singing with the chorale and the opera, acting in Drama Dock shows and participating in fundraisers for many island non-profits. I have also served on the Sunrise Ridge board, have volunteered and supported the food vank and volunteer for Vashon Allied Arts. Now I am excited for the opportunity to again give back to the community in another meaningful way.