Candidate for
Member, City Council; City of Arcata

I live in Arcata's Bayview neighborhood with my wife Mary, six-year-old son Wyatt and almost-3-year-old daughter Caitlin. Mary is a math and science teacher turned full-time mother and I am a senior biologist specialist--a "basin planner"--for the California Department of Fish and Game.

I began my professional career in the City of Arcata's Community Development and Public Works departments, gaining a wide range of knowledge. I moved onto the California Coastal Commision and California Coastal Conservancy. Today, I facilitate watershed restoration efforts throughout the north coast region. My current focus is developing integrative wetland and watershed strategies for the Humboldt Bay and Eel River Delta to improve habitat conditions and reduce flooding and restoration needs.

My interest in the City Council was sparked two years ago when Humboldt State University was revising its master plan, which called for expanding the campus into our historic Bayview neighborhood. Through a true grassroots movement of neighbors coming together, HSU reconsidered and withdrew that element from its plan.

The incident demonstrated to me a disconnect between the City and HSU, with each operating with a disregard for the other's interests. We as a City are reliant on the university as an economic engine. Our fates are linked.

The episode was a catalyst that finally pushed me to run for and win a Council seat when one became available last year in a special election. I knew I could put to use two decades of experience I had addressing cultural, commercial, environmental and infrastructure needs for conflicted federal, state and local governments, nonprofits and private industry. This November I will be 18 months into my job serving you. Please return me to the Council to continue working for a safer, healthier and more vibrant Arcata.