My Philosophy

At the heart of my leadership philosophy is a simple idea: freedom, responsibility, and compassion go hand in hand. I believe in empowering people to live freely, think independently, and work together toward a stronger, more self-sufficient community.

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Principles & Beliefs

Freedom and the Public Good

Freedom is the cornerstone of a healthy society and cannot exist without self-reliance.
Everyone should have the right to live their life as they see fit — to make their own choices, take their own risks, and pursue their own version of happiness — as long as it doesn’t harm others.
True freedom isn’t about uniformity or control. It’s about respect for diversity — of thought, belief, and lifestyle. People have the right to make mistakes, to live unconventionally, and to chart their own course. Organizations, too, should have the freedom to set their own rules, and individuals should decide for themselves whether to participate.
When people — or governments — become dependent on others, they lose the ability to act freely. Independence protects us from manipulation and gives us the strength to help others.
This belief applies at every level: individuals, families, communities, and nations. We strive to stand on our own but recognizing that teamwork allows us to achieve what would be impossible alone.
For Douglas County, this means pursuing local self-sufficiency — in our economy and governance — and empowering small businesses to work together as a united community.

Economic Responsibility and Fairness

I believe in regulated capitalism — a system that rewards hard work and innovation while maintaining fairness and opportunity for all.
Strong local businesses and empowered consumers form the foundation of a thriving economy. When people have money to spend, businesses grow; not the other way around. That’s why I support policies that lift working families, expand the middle class, and reduce dependence on corporate monopolies.
Strong unions to protect workers and keep capitalism fair.
Local business growth and fair competition act as the drivers of prosperity.
Trickle-down economics has failed working Americans for decades. Real economic health comes from the ground up — from strong consumers, strong families, and strong communities.

Personal Ethics and Leadership

My personal code is rooted in the Air Force Core Values I lived by for 21 years:
Integrity First. Service Before Self. Excellence in All We Do.
I believe in kindness, accountability, and action.
Treat others as you want to be treated. Trust people — but verify. Don’t just point out problems; bring solutions.
Holding people accountable isn’t punishment — it’s an act of care. It means expecting the best from each other and speaking up for those who can’t speak for themselves.

Building a Stronger, Self-Sufficient Douglas County

Responsible Oversight of Tax Dollars

Every tax dollar should work for the people of Douglas County. That means preventing waste, ensuring transparency, and investing where it counts.
Accountability: Keep accurate, public financial records and prevent fraud or abuse.
Fairness: Open the door to fair competition for county contracts so every qualified business gets a chance.
Efficiency: Set cost-reduction goals when budgets tighten, and make sure spending delivers a real return for residents.
Leadership by Example: County leaders should be compensated fairly — in line with local economic conditions, not inflated government scales. The pay should be reduced by 20%.
Our long-term goal is self-sufficiency — a county that can stand on its own without depending on state or federal bailouts.

Growing the Local Economy

Douglas County’s strength comes from its people — small business owners, workers, and families who keep our towns alive.
We can create a more resilient and diverse economy by:
Simplifying county and city regulations that hold small businesses back.
Supporting the needs of working families: childcare, affordable healthcare, unions, and opportunities for kids.
Promoting tourism — from our rivers and trails to our wineries and local shops — making Douglas County Oregon’s outdoor playground.
Hosting festivals, markets, and events that bring visitors in and help local businesses thrive.

Addressing Affordability

Everyone deserves a fair shot at a good life here. That starts with housing and access to affordable food.
Housing: Partner with local builders to create affordable, attainable homes for working families — in the $180K–$220K range — and invest in infrastructure to support long-term growth.
Food Security: Build a stronger local food network that connects farmers with families. Encourage gardening education and develop public–private garden operations to ensure everyone has access to fresh, affordable produce.
Tackle homelessness as a multi-cause issue by addressing its core drivers simultaneously: expanding affordable housing, improving access to addiction and mental-health services, and strengthening the local job market.
- Support workforce re-entry programs that help people regain stability and independence.
- Partner with community organizations to provide transitional shelter and wrap-around services.
Build county-level systems that prioritize long-term self-sufficiency over temporary fixes
By focusing on smart growth, sustainable living, and fiscal responsibility, we can make Douglas County a place where families want to stay, businesses want to grow, and future generations can thrive.