Qualifications/Experience
20+ years experience working with government agencies on water resources
10+ years Officer in a Group “A” water district
40+ years Farmer/Landowner in the Lower Green River Valley
Long term participant in King County Agriculture Commission meetings
Initiated the Lower Green River flooding sub-committee (Ag Commission)
Former John L Scott Agent
Compared with the other candidates, I have the most extensive background in water resource issues. These will be crucial as the Puget Sound region struggles with both flooding threats and future water shortages, as well as water quality and fish habitat.
I also have demonstrated an ability to work cooperatively with multiple stakeholders. I will make better relationships with our cities a priority, and this starts with dialogue on how we can better serve their needs. King County WRIAs, agriculture and forestry are challenged in our urban environment, especially with current economics and budgets. Preserving our working lands leads to quality-of-life benefits for all our residents. A vital agriculture embraces food, fiber, equine and other areas. We must continue conservation efforts with farms, and expand our ability to encourage small forests. I specifically support farmer markets which help bring urban and rural residents together.
I am a lifetime resident of the Auburn-Kent Valley, where we’ve seen the cities develop around us. While this transition promoted the goal of economic vitality, it also impacted our natural resource goal - especially for water quality, aquatic areas and agriculture. Large population increases are still projected for King County, and I want to use my experience to support both these goals.
I will respect property rights. The KCD mission and culture is to work cooperatively with property owners, whether it be private farms and forests, city/county parks, or urban gardens. This leverages contributions from the private and public sectors, to maximize on-the-ground results. I will strive for continuous KCD efficiencies, so that more conservation projects can be accomplished without increasing your assessment dollars.
I am committed to using my knowledge/experience cooperatively with all stakeholders, to achieve positive and timely results. The following are special areas of my interests and expertise.
Fish & Habitat Restoration
WRIA Ecosystem Restoration,
Various Environmental regulations,
Mill Creek Aquatic Resource Plan
Agriculture
Farmland Preservation Program,
Agriculture Production Districts,
K.C. Agriculture Commission
Flooding/Water Quality
Clean Water Act/NPDES,
King County Flood Hazard Mgmt Plan,
King County FEMA Floodplain Mgmt,
King County Surface Water Design Manual,
King County Water Quality Mgmt Plans,
King County Shoreline Mgmt Plan,
Mill Creek Flood Control Plan
