Candidate for
Commissioner; Humboldt Bay Harbor Recreation and Conservation District; Division 4

My family made Eureka our home when my father and mother, Gib and Maxine along with my sister, Gayle and I, moved from Newport, Oregon in the mid 1940's. My brother Bill joined us later when he was born in Eureka. My life around Humboldt Bay began as my sister, brother and I watched our father's whaling boat, the Dennis Gayle, tow whales into the Fields Landing whaling station. Years later, the fish processing company, Eureka Fisheries, began in 1953 and expanded to become one of the largest fish processing companies on the west coast. I can remember spending hours on the docks fishing for perch and watching the many ships, both fishing boats and freighters, journey in and out of the harbor with their cargo.

Gayle, Bill and I went to local schools and I attended Humboldt State (College), finishing my college career with a B.A. Degree in Speech and Business at Sacramento State. After a decade of television work in Denver, Colorado and Sacramento, my heart led me back to the climate and quality of life here on the north coast. I joined Jack Young as a partner in a local advertising agency in 1974, and then operated my own advertising agency until 1995. While operating my own business, I also served as news anchor at KVIQ-TV for several years, ending in the mid-1980's. In 1995, it was time to change careers. I joined Coast Central Credit Union as its Vice President, Marketing and I still serve in that capacity today.

A large part of my life in Eureka has been dedicated to helping ourcommunity. I am fortunate that my wife of twenty-two years, Karen, shares my passion for contributing to our local area. We have four children, seven and-a-half grandchildren and two dogs that we spoil like children.

My focus on community involvement led to two rich and wonderful experiences. I had the privilege of hosting the local Easter Seals Telethon for 30 consecutive years. Seeing the smiling faces of the children we have touched during all these years made this a reward I can never repay.

The other experience came when I decided to run for the Humboldt Bay Harbor, Recreation and Conservation District sixteen years ago. I felt my experience in marketing, fishing and community involvement was a natural fit for this position. I feel that my ability to build relationships and communicate with other agencies, politicians and groups both locally and out of the area has been and continues to be a valuable commodity to the Harbor District and our community. I have helped build consensus between the Board of Supervisors, Harbor District and City Council, in fact, I am endorsed by the majority of these elected officials (see endorsement list). I have worked with a wide variety of permitting and regulatory agencies and understand the processes involved. My leadership experience has enabled me to communicate and work in an open environment with a broad cross section of the community.

As a Commissioner on the Harbor District Board, I want to help finish the job we started - to stimulate the local economy and create the living wage jobs that will keep our children here. Now that the Bay Management Plan is nearing completion I feel that my experience and skills will be helpful to our area as we begin finalizing and then instituting this plan. With your help and your vote, I know we can successfully create a harbor that provides a true balance of living wage jobs, recreational opportunities and continues to build upon our conservation efforts.