BACKGROUND

• Life-long resident of Norman

• Graduate of Norman High School and University of Oklahoma

• Local small business professional

Throughout my years in Norman, I have worked with friends, neighbors, and other people from all walks of life, helping them to find solutions to the problems they faced.  I did so while in various occupations, such as a clerk at Safeway (now Homeland), where I served as the store steward; as an executive officer of a 1,600 member local union; as a small business owner; and now as the customer service manager for Astronomics, a leading U.S. dealer and producer of quality optics.  I accomplished those things using the same personal skills that I will bring to City Council: honesty and fairness, open and respectful communication, and a willingness to hear all sides of an issue.

EXPERIENCE YOU CAN TRUST

As a life-long resident of Norman, I've been actively involved in community issues for more than 30 years.  I first spoke before City Council about flooding issues in my neighborhood when I was only 15 years old.  Since then, I've continued to volunteer my time to speak about critical local issues and to participate in important community discussions and events, including:

• 2008 Public Safety Sales Tax - Supporting...Involved in Planning Process...Specific Funding for Police and Fire
• Public Safety Forum - Participated
• Stormwater Master Plan and Utility - Supporting...an Important Environmental Initiative for the Community   
• Stormwater Master Plan Review - Participated
• Curbside Recycling - Supported...a Valuable Program to Save Resources and Reduce Landfill Costs
• Embassy Suites Conference Center - Opposed City Ownership...a Losing Venture for Taxpayers 
• Community Dialogue Series - Participated
• Citizen's Academy - Graduated 2006
• Northside Wastewater Treatment Plant - Opposed...Waste of Taxpayer Money...Environmental Risks
• University North Park TIF - Opposed...Unnecessary Taxpayer Subsidy...Not Approved by the Voters 
• Campus Corner TIF - Objected to Accounting Irregularities  
• Sutton Wilderness - Opposed Adjoining Development due to Negative Environmental Impacts to the Park  
• Impact Fees on New Development - Supported...Growth Should Pay Its Own Way 
• Lighting Ordinance - Supported...Reduced Commercial Lighting Impacts on Neighborhoods 
• 2006 Sales Tax - Opposed...Funds Committed for Economic Development...Nothing Earmarked for Public Safety...Ballot Language Amounted to a Blank Check.

My years of local involvement in community affairs and municipal government has provided me with an of understanding of the issues and experience with the processes that will allow me to hit the ground running if elected to City Council.  In addition, the working relationships that I already have established with many current City Council members and staff will allow me to be fully engaged in the process on my first day in office.