Candidate for
Commissioner; Port San Luis Harbor District

Over the last year, as I began to talk to people about the future of the Port , I'd ask them what they'd want. The most common answer was that they want it to remain pretty much the same. I couldn't agree more. We have a most unique and wonderful little piece of the world here, and a key priority for me will be ensuring the preservation of its special character. To that end, and among other areas of interest that I will describe below, you will find me dedicated to not only strict protection of the marine enviroment, but also in trying to preserve and maintain a viable commercial and recreational fishing industry. I don't expect that latter to be too easy.

As I mentioned in my biographical notes, I truly value the days spent with my (then) young son at Avila Beach. I am and will continue to be an avid supporter of youth activities such as the outstanding and very successful Junior Lifeguard program. I will support and champion youth marine education programs that make use of the Port facilities and beaches, and I am really looking forward to working with Cal Poly's new Marine Science Institute at the former Unocal pier.

I'm a bit of a kayaking "fool", spending three or four days a week paddling the waters of Port San Luis and the surrounding ocean. I love it, and you'lll be hard pressed to find a more dedicated proponent of low impact recreational uses of the Port such as sailing and of course, paddling. However, I'm no fan of jet skis (commonly referred to as "personal water craft", or PWC's), and I have two main concerns regarding them. One is the pollution they create from both their noise (and especially) the contamination from their petroleum fuel. The pollution aspect is in part being addressed by state and federal regulation which will eliminate the noisy and dirty two-stroke engines. But my second concern with jet skis is in the irresponsible operation of them. While not true of all riders of these PWC's, far too many operate them with little regard for the peace and quiet of other beach goers, or for the disturbances to wildllife, and all too often, for the sheer safety of themselves and everybody else on the water. This latter is an issue which the Port can (and to a large part already does) control.

Which brings up my "bottom line". As I lecture around the country, I often remind those in attendance that ultimately, the only reason the public "puts up" with government is that we expect it to protect us, and in fact as we have all recently re-learned, we demand that it do so. It is no less a responsibliity for the Port San Luis Harbor District. The staff of the Harbor Patrol and Lifeguards are without exception an extremely dedicated and highly professional group of individuals, intensely focused on your personal safety. When called upon, they eagerly commit themselves to your service in what are often truly life threatening situations, especially in the case of offshore boating distress calls and surf rescues. Less understood is the no less important role they serve in day to day patrol, education, and regulatory enforcement which collectively make for a safer and more enjoyable Port and beaches. As your Commissioner, I will ensure that they are supported by the District to the highest degree possible so that they continue to offer the best and safest experience for all users of the Port.

And the Port San Luis Harbor District is now facing yet another "master plan" review. It is a critical one in that it should serve as a guide for the future priorities and direction of the District. Money is tight, but there are additional potential sources of revenue that I would like to see maximized for the benefit of the Port. And yes, change to our beloved Port will inevitably happen, and I firmly believe that to a large degree it can be managed and directed in ways consistent with the wishes of all the District's constitutents.

In closing, I truly hope that you will find agreement with the positions I've stated above, and that if you do, you will spread the word to your friends and vote for me in this upcoming election.

See you on the water!