FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Why are you interested in continuing to serve as a Richland City Council member?
As someone who graduated from Richland High School and has lived and worked in the Tri-Cities for over 40 years, I have a deep appreciation for the unique strengths and potential of our community. My professional background in organizational leadership and project management, has given me firsthand experience in infrastructure, sustainability, and collaborative problem-solving—skills I believe are essential for effective governance. I'm passionate about ensuring that Richland continues to thrive as a safe, inclusive, and forward-thinking city. Serving on the City Council allows me to contribute meaningfully to decisions that shape our future, advocate for responsible development, and ensure that we preserve the quality of life for all residents. I’m committed to listening, learning, and leading with integrity and transparency.
2. What Strengths do you bring to the Council?
With my technical background in building systems, energy policy, and energy economics, I have an understanding of the issues surrounding energy efficiency, sustainable design, and infrastructure planning. This experience helps enable me to support smart city planning and long term resilience. As a group leader for over 20 years, I have led multidisciplinary teams to deliver complex projects, and I understand how to balance diverse perspectives to reach consensus and drive results. Experienced in setting strategic goals, and fostering collaboration, this assists me in successfully navigating the complexities of city governance. I approach challenges with a systems-thinking mindset, which allows me evaluate issues from all sides and develop practical solutions. I am deeply invested in the well being of Richland and have a strong desire as a servant leader to give back and help shape our future. I have worked across public and private sectors to advance shared goals, and I understand how to build partnerships that benefit the entire community.
3. What are the three highest priorities and/or issues you believe the City needs to address?
A. Infrastructure Improvement and Sustainable Development – to be positioned for success in the future, we need to focus on planning, developing, and improving the our infrastructure that includes roads, utilities, and other infrastructure such as parks and public safety facilities that are necessary to attract and retain focused economic development.
B. Financial Sustainability and High-Performance Government – continuing to be excellent stewards of the tax payer’s funds and maintain balanced budgets while making investments in essential services. Continue to actively pursue strategic initiatives to improve operational efficiency, enhance transparency, and increase public trust.
C. Quality of Life and Community Representation – ensuring that we are proactively addressing issues that impact the “living in Richland experience” and that our citizens feel that their concerns are being heard and addressed, and their city council actively listens and cares about their concerns.
4. Briefly describe your current/past community involvement on clubs, associations, non-profits, boards, commissions, etc. and how this experience would benefit Richland.
Throughout my career and personal life, I’ve been actively involved in organizations that reflect my commitment to community service and civic engagement. I am a graduate of Leadership Tri-Cities Class XII, previously served on the City of Richland Planning Commission and Code Enforcement Boards. I am currently serving on the Boards of the Benton Franklin Workforce Development Council (Chairman), and the Mid-Columbia Symphony Society (Vice President). I have also served on the Columbia Basin Badger Club Board and the Children’s Developmental Center Board. These experiences have deepened my understanding of the needs and aspirations of our residents and taught me the importance of collaboration, transparency, and inclusive decision-making. Serving on the Richland City Council allows me to continue to build on this foundation, bringing a community-centered perspective and a strong network of local relationships to help drive positive change.
5. What do you consider the primary roles of a member of the city
A. Policy Making and Legislation - Set policies that guide the city's operations and development. Adopt ordinances and resolutions that establish local laws and regulations. Approve the annual city budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with community priorities.
B. Oversight and Governance - Hire and oversee the City Manager, who acts as the chief executive officer responsible for daily operations. Approve contracts and agreements that impact city services and infrastructure. Appoint members to city boards and commissions, helping shape advisory and decision-making bodies.
C. Community Representation and Engagement - Represent the entire community. Engage with residents through meetings, public hearings, etc. Advocate for community needs and ensure public input is considered in decision making.
D. Strategic Planning – Participate in long-term planning for city growth, sustainability, and economic development. Support initiatives with the city’s strategic goals, such as infrastructure improvements, public safety, and community services.
6. As a council member, your only legal authority is the ability to cast one of seven votes. What is your philosophy of how to build consensus or majority support for a program, service or policy?
I believe that effective governance begins with listening. Building consensus means engaging with fellow council members, city staff, and most importantly our citizens. I would prioritize open dialogue, ensuring that all voices are heard and respected, especially those from underrepresented communities. While perspectives may differ, I would seek to identify shared values and long-term goals that unite us, such as public safety or economic vitality. These common threads can serve as the foundation for building majority support.
I believe in making decisions based on sound data, community input, and transparent processes. When stakeholders understand the rationale behind a proposal and see that it’s based on sound data and comprehensive analysis, they are more likely to support it. Consensus does not mean unanimous agreement, it means finding solutions that most can support. I would work to foster respectful debate, seek common ground, and be open to compromise when it serves the greater good.
As a council member, I strive to lead with integrity, always keeping the community’s best interests at heart. Building consensus is not just about passing policies, it’s about ensuring those policies reflect the values and needs of Richland’s residents.
