A few weeks back, catastrophic wildfires began burning more than one million acres all over Oregon, leaving behind a huge wake of devastation. Those fires continue to rage, bringing with them evacuations, loss of life, destroyed homes and the unhealthiest air quality in the entire world. These kinds of fires have, unfortunately, become the norm in recent years. That is…
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To me, true fiscal conservatism means spending taxpayer dollars the same way in which you manage your household budget. Think about it this way—most people get paid on a regular basis and have to prioritize bills. Rent, utilities, and insurance usually come first, along with debt service like car and student loans and credit card payments. But before you even…
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It’s no secret that our nation is divided. This is typically the case in election years, and especially when we’re set to decide our next presidential administration. All the heated rhetoric and soundbites circulate through traditional media outlets and are now shared and spread on social media, often causing longtime friends and family members to lose touch because they disagree…
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I’ve long maintained that freedom of mobility is a critical component of our quality of life. We are, and should be, free to travel and come and go as we see fit. I believe that one of government’s most important roles is to provide the infrastructure that makes this all possible and keep it up. We benefit from the use…
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The concept of safety has been on my mind a lot lately, possibly because it seems in such short supply in nearby Portland. Throughout my military career, one of my primary responsibilities was ensuring the safety of the men under my charge. That was particularly challenging at times, especially when we were in the middle of an active combat zone…
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After retiring from the military, I set about starting the next phase of my life as a civilian, and I settled into the home that I built north of Sandy. I was happy to enjoy the slower pace of life in my peaceful rural setting. After a while, I started looking around and noticing that things were not as good…
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I decided thirty one years ago that I was going to build my dream home just outside of Sandy. There were many reasons I chose to make rural Clackamas County my permanent residence. I was drawn by the area’s majestic scenery and natural beauty. The outdoor recreational opportunities are literally endless out here. Sandy’s small-town feel means that neighbors are…
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While running for Clackamas County Commissioner, I’ve spent a lot of time talking to business owners throughout the area. Even though they represent a variety of different industries, these entrepreneurs still have much in common with each other. They share several of the same concerns, especially since the onset of the global Covid-19 pandemic and forced government closures that have…
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Throughout history, many great political leaders got their start in the military. A shining example is President Dwight Eisenhower. As the head of the Allied Command in World War II, Eisenhower was responsible for organizing and orchestrating the famed D-Day invasion of the Normandy beach that culminated in Europe’s liberation. He later went on to become president, and his accomplishments…
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As a combat veteran it is a point of pride for me to be able to say that I served my country honorably in multiple branches of the military. I chose to pursue a career as a military officer largely because I believe in the values that our great nation was built upon. Those values as set forth in our…
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