Occupation: Residential and commercial real estate broker, resident of Westport since 2008.

Relevant Experience: Current Westport City Council member, Tourism Committee Chair, Lodging Tax Advisory Committee Chair and Westport/Grayland Chamber of Commerce member. Retired CPA with government accounting experience. Previous service as a Westport/Grayland Chamber of Commerce board member and Westport Planning Commission member.

What would you say is the biggest infrastructure issue facing the City of Westport at this time (streets, marina condition, water system, disaster preparedness, etc.)? How would you address that need?

Affordable housing is very much needed in Westport. We have many workers who would love to live close to where they work and be part of the community but there is a lack of affordable homes and apartments. Our largest tax revenue sources are the commercial fish processing facilities. There should be affordable housing available so that they can retain better and longer-term employees. Also, additional local medical facilities are needed. This is a big factor when people are deciding whether to move to Westport. It would also provide needed services to all of our current residents. The possible development of a golf course could bring in added revenues but could also put an added strain on our infrastructure. All of the possible impacts need to be thoroughly analyzed. I will also continue to work on needed sidewalk, parking and street improvements as I have in the past.

What do you see as your primary role as a Westport City Council member?

I have been attending City Council meetings for many years and I have a good knowledge of issues that have faced the city over the last 10 years. During that time, it was often frustrating to watch things not really moving forward. I was appointed to fill a vacant position in June by the other council members who felt I was the most qualified of those applying. As a member of the council, I am looking forward to making much needed progress that I was unable to accomplish as an interested citizen and volunteer. I am diligent in making decisions based on a review of all the facts and the effects on all members of our diverse community.

The major economic drivers in Westport, particularly fishing and tourism, are seasonal. What if anything can the City Council do to promote a more diverse and steady economy?

The current very seasonal nature of our tourism makes it difficult for business owners to make a living. I have made, and will continue to make, a real commitment to working with both the city and local business owners to expand year-round activities and to improve our advertising so more people will know about Westport and everything we have to offer. The City Council controls the spending of Lodging Tax Revenues and I believe the available funds can be put to better use to improve the slower times of the year. During our Centennial year of 2014 there was a push to improve the appearance of our city and I would like to see a refocus in this direction. I will continue to work to address the recommendations of the tourism consultant that was hired by the city. His recommendations addressed beautification, increased off season tourism, new activities and new facilities. The committees I chair have already begun this task. Along with sport and charter fishing and general tourism being vital to our city, year-round surfing and beach use (clamming, kiting, jet skis, kayaking, etc.) have shown increases the last two years. Lodging tax revenues (based on paid hotel/motel/RV park nights) have been up about 15% each of the last two years. In just the last few months, three of the buildings on Westhaven Drive in the Marina District have sold with new businesses set to open soon in three previously vacant buildings. Also, two great new restaurants opened in 2019. So, we are making progress on extending and steadying our economy! We just need to continue to diversify and improve. I love our Westport community and plan to continue to serve with all of the citizens best interests top of mind!