I’m running because I believe that we need good parks. I believe that a strong parks system strengthens our community and improves the quality of our lives. So I would like to do my part to take our parks in a much-needed new direction — to make our parks and park programs the best that they can be for the citizens of Vashon and Maury Islands.

As we all know, the Vashon Park District has struggled lately. Bad decisions have created huge cost overruns that continue to disrupt the district’s ability to serve the community as it should be. I’ve been attending the board meetings for the last year or so, and I’ve seen too much reactive decision making. Most of the proposals that I’ve seen brought before the board have been made and voted upon without sufficient data — without sufficient facts — without sufficient benchmarking. And without discussion as to whether or not the proposed projects fit into the park district’s long-term plan. From what I can determine, there isn’t a long-term plan. There should be a plan, and the citizens of Vashon should know about it.

Here are the actions that I believe the commissioners need to take to get the parks moving in the right direction again.

• First, roles of commissioners and administrative staff need to be clarified and in some cases changed to increase the accountability, efficiency and effectiveness of the park district operation.

• Second, we need to develop a comprehensive strategic plan, with clear priorities, to take the Vashon Park District from where it is now to where the community wants it to be five to 10 years out. This plan must be based on data gathered through valid opinion surveys of our citizens.

• Third, we need to repair and maintain our existing facilities and update our current programs as required. We shouldn’t accept less than first class.

• And finally, we should, in a fiscally responsible way and when the time is right, design and build new facilities or update existing facilities so that the park system continues to reflect the priorities of the community.

I’ve lived in this community since 1986. I’m an engineer by training, but my experience is in general management, largely in the shipbuilding industry. Fiscal management and planning have been huge on my list of responsibilities throughout my career. I’ve been physically active all my life and currently row with the Vashon Island Rowing Club. Point Robinson, a short walk from our home, is our favorite park.

I won’t try to convince you that I’m the only person capable of doing this job. Individuals can’t, by themselves, make a difference on this board. It’s the ability of the individuals on the park board to work together as a team in a thoughtful, fact-based and respectful way, that makes the difference. I know that my experience would enable me to work well in this role. I know I have the tools. I hope you agree.