Bill I would like to be your County Commissioner. Lewis County is a wonderful place and I believe that I can help make it a little better. I have the desire, ability, education, and experience to serve Lewis County. The Coast Guard gave me the opportunity to develop my leadership skills with ever increasing management responsibilities.

I went from Seaman Recruit to Commander. As Captain of USCGC Diligence I led a crew of 82 sailors and airmen, responsible for over $200 million in assets. I was the resource manager for 'Rescue 21' a $1.5 billion acquisition project that will replace the current command and control system for the Coast Guard search and rescue. A large Coast Guard cutter has all of the same departments as a county government. I have extensive experience in disaster response and relief.
Issues

My focus will be toward: The public deserves to know what is going on with no "behind the door" deals. If a development is being considered the citizens of Lewis County should be allowed and encouraged to express their concerns.
The Questions and the Answers

(This information was published in the August 13th edition of The Chronicle in the main section on page 8.
To see the information as it was printed in The Chronicle, click on this link.)

1. What is your position on flood mitigation?

"I want to create an affordable basin wide plan to protect the citizens of Lewis County and to consider all options including: water retention, dredging, removal of woody debris, properly designed bridges and flood bypass channels. I have been strongly supportive of flood mitigation solutions that involve local delegations of city and county governments working with state and federal officials. I was 'baptized' here in Lewis County, my home had 7' 4" of water in it, so I am very motivated to implement a solution."

2. Do you favor the current form of county government with three full time Commissioners, or would you support changing to a part-time county council that appoints a professional county executive?

"I believe that county government should reflect the ideas of the taxpaying citizens and voters. The concept of part-time commissioners and a paid professional executive cannot be dictated by special interest groups or those in government but should be decided by the people of Lewis County."

3. Do you see a rift between certain economic groups, such as the Lewis County Economic Development Council, the Chamber and the two ports? If so, how would you solve it?

"I have been encouraged by the cooperation between the Lewis County Economic Development Council, the Port of Chehalis, the Chamber and the Winlock Industrial Park. We all need to work together to make Lewis County a better place to live and work. 'A rising tide floats all boats.'"

4. Would you balance any potential budget shortfall with increased taxes, increased fees, or cuts, or a combination of the three?

"The projected budget shortfall could be handled by encouraging economic growth along the I-5 corridor. Cardinal Glass pays over $400,000.00 a year in taxes. Just a few more companies and we would not have a projected budget shortfall. Until then, we need to implement a more austere budget, more fuel efficient vehicles and a soft hiring freeze, until tax revenue from additional economic development is received. I will not support a tax increase or layoffs of county employees."

5. What are your top priorities if elected?

"Effective and efficient government, affordable flood mitigation, and economic development."

6. How much are you spending on your campaign?

"To date, just under $14,000.00."

7. Why are you running?

"I have the skill set, education, desire, and the experience necessary to succeed as a county commissioner. I am a goal oriented individual and want nothing more than to see Lewis County and her residents enjoy both prosperity and a sense of stability."

8. a.) Did you come up with the idea to run or were you asked by a group of people? b.) Is this a coordinated effort from the local Republicans?

a.) "No one asked me to run. I had been considering tossing my hat in the ring for a few months before the flood in December (07). In the aftermath of the flood when the editorial column from from December 13th, The Chronicle called for "someone with fresh ideas and new thinking to blend in with our local historical knowledge" I decided to step up. I am that new blood and I have fresh ideas and I owe no one, nor any organization, any favors. My thoughts and ideas are my own. I am able to listen and help implement new solutions to old problems." b.) "I am a lifelong Republican, belong to the Lewis County Republicn party and am the elected Precinct Committee Officer for Dryad. No one solicited my candidacy, running for Commissioner was a decision I made. I am, however, very encouraged by all of the support that I have received."

9. You haven't lived in Lewis County for very many years. Does this help or hinder you if elected?

"This is very definitely a plus! For everyone. It's not the quantity of time but the quality of time I've spent in Lewis County. I have lived and worked all over the world, I chose Lewis County as my home; and because it is my home I have become involved in many groups that make it an even better place to live.

I was appointed to the Lewis County Public Facilities District and hold the Vice Chair position. I belong to the Chehalis Rotary, the PeEll Horizons project, Lewis County Farm Bureau and I represent the Farm Bureau on the Chehalis Basin Partnership. I take none of these affiliations lightly and am a contributing member in good standing with all.

I bought property in Lewis County after the 1996 flood and moved here full time in the Spring of 2003. We built our home here in Lewis County and here I will remain."